The Pursuit of Perfection
Thought arrives in pairs of opposites. When we think of perfection, it is accompanied by a fleeting image of its antithesis: imperfection. Our brain forces us to choose, and so we spend our lives aiming to do better and be better in everything we do. But at what point does this commitment to improvement become an obsession? Perfection is an impossibility — but it remains such an alluring fantasy that we continue to chase it.
Over the years, a variety of studies have been conducted on the perfectionistic needs of different age groups. Each of them points to the same conclusion — today’s younger generation is more obsessive over high performance than ever. These tendencies are fuelled from many different sources, from overly critical parents to unrealistic social media feeds. Perfection is fiction, and social media is its author. Considering the amount of time today’s generation spend online, this rings particularly true.
Scrolling through our media feeds exposes us to limitless posts of perceived “perfection”. What eludes our mind’s grasp, however, is that each instance is simply a snapshot of success. Behind each airbrushed face and artificial smile, is the real world — where nothing on social media actually exists. But in an effort to live our best lives and put our best face forward, real life has become more superficial than ever. Therefore, an unrealistic template for life is built up in our minds, fuelling an endless cycle of disillusionment.
The pursuit of perfection has increased sharply over the last quarter-century, impacting both genders equally. Research has shown that perfectionists experience negative emotions such as guilt, envy, frustration, and anxiety. There is an inefficiency that stems from seeking the unattainable. Much like chasing the end of a rainbow, you are merely wasting time. This futile cycle is doing more than just driving us crazy — it costs us our happiness. It is one thing to set yourself goals to attain what you believe is “perfect”. But more often, we simply circulate the word at the forefront of our brain. So, we waste away our time and mind, looking for something which does not exist.
This complex problem might have a simple solution. For a self-created issue ignited by what is happening around us, the antidote might be found in the same places. We can be less judgemental of each other and show support for the sake of support — not just as a reaction to accomplishments. In the long run, it is better to protect one another’s mental health by not projecting unrealistic standards onto those around us. It stands to reason that if our loved ones are content with what they see, then we can be happier with ourselves. Validation and affirmation from those we care about can counteract impossible expectations.
It is still important to give your all in each situation, but it is time to understand that missing out on perfection is not a sign of failure. Just doing your best is not only acceptable, it is even better than perfect.
