SELF IMPROVEMENT
Why I Stopped Trying to Be Perfect and How It Improved My Happiness
How letting go of perfectionism transformed my life and brought me greater happiness.
For years, I believed that perfection was the key to success. I thought that if I could do everything flawlessly, life would reward me with happiness and fulfillment. But striving for perfection often left me feeling frustrated, anxious, and exhausted. The truth is, chasing perfection can be a never-ending, impossible goal that robs us of the joy we deserve. Over time, I learned to let go of the need to be perfect, and it has drastically improved my happiness.
The Trap of Perfectionism
For a long time, I found myself trapped in the mindset that everything I did had to be without flaws. Whether it was my work, my relationships, or even my personal goals, I put immense pressure on myself to excel in every aspect of life. But the constant striving for perfection became overwhelming. Mistakes felt like failures, and even when I achieved something great, I couldn't enjoy it because I would focus on what could have been done better.
Looking back, I now realize how perfectionism stopped me from enjoying the present moment. I was so focused on what wasn’t right that I overlooked the beauty of progress and growth.
Letting Go of the Need for Perfection
The turning point for me came when I realized how much stress and unhappiness my perfectionism was causing. I began to reflect on what really mattered in my life. Was it being perfect, or was it being happy and content with myself, imperfections and all? I chose the latter. Letting go of perfectionism didn’t happen overnight, but step by step, I started to embrace the idea that making mistakes is part of life—and that’s okay.
Instead of obsessing over getting everything right, I began to focus on doing my best and accepting that sometimes, my best isn’t perfect—and that’s perfectly fine.
How It Improved My Happiness
Once I stopped aiming for perfection, I found that I was more relaxed and less anxious. I could enjoy the process of working toward my goals without feeling the pressure to meet impossibly high standards. This mindset shift also helped me in my relationships. I realized that no one expected me to be perfect except for myself. By allowing myself to be human, I became more patient and understanding with others, which improved my connections with those around me.
One of the most surprising things I noticed was that I actually started to achieve more once I let go of perfectionism. When I stopped worrying about being flawless, I found the courage to take risks and try new things. As a result, I grew both personally and professionally.
The Joy of Imperfection
There’s an immense joy in embracing imperfection. Life isn’t meant to be flawless; it’s meant to be lived. When I stopped trying to control every outcome and allowed things to unfold naturally, I began to experience more peace and satisfaction. I learned that happiness isn’t found in doing things perfectly but in enjoying the journey, no matter how messy or imperfect it may be.
As Brené Brown beautifully said,
"Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us, when in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from taking flight."
Conclusion
Perfectionism may seem like the road to success, but in reality, it’s a path to stress and dissatisfaction. Letting go of the need to be perfect has been one of the most freeing and joyful decisions I’ve ever made. Now, I focus on doing my best, being kind to myself, and enjoying life’s imperfections—and it’s made me much happier.
What about you? Have you struggled with perfectionism?
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