People say that being perfect is overrated, but it’s what many of us strive for. I can say with complete certainty that I have been a perfectionist since I was young. Curveballs in life are a perfectionist’s worst nightmare. Situations in which we cannot control the outcome cause great anxiety and stress. Being a perfectionist in an imperfect world is challenging, but maybe at some point we’ll realize that it’s okay to not be “perfect” at absolutely everything.
Media skews the “perfect” reality each and every day on T.V., magazines, websites, etc. We’re trying to match the “perfect” body types, outfits, lifestyles and frankly it’s all a mirage. The media does a wonderful job of convincing us that the “perfect” body is a size 2, the “perfect” outfit is preppy with a side of hipster and the “perfect” lifestyle includes lavish amenities. Therefore, those of us who are perfectionists never feel like we’re up to the standard that we need to be.
Perfectionists will go to extremes to meet set expectations. Whether its grades in school, demands in the workplace, or requirements on the field/court, it can seem nearly impossible to escape from expectations. Being a college student and a perfectionist, I often find myself trying to be my best self in every single class and organization -- let me tell you, it is quite exhausting. We take a wide range of courses and I expect myself to be perfect in each one. Obviously, this isn’t realistic, but try telling a perfectionist that.
Relationships are no different when it comes to people who like perfection. All relationships with family, friends, and significant others must be in good standing, or else it takes us for a ride. Someone being the slightest bit upset with you is troublesome to say the least. Unfortunately, being a perfectionist comes with its share of self-doubt. If a relationship has a rough patch, we blame ourselves. We want to give our all to every relationship and often don’t expect the same in return. Equal time with everyone, right? It may not be possible but we’ll try our best.
Being a perfectionist can cause a bumpy road, but it can also make us strive for greatness. If you haven’t noticed while reading, every time the word “perfect” is written, it appears in quotation marks. That’s because perfection is an illusion. Perfection is completely up to interpretation and has different meanings depending on the individual. Attempting to be “perfect” in an imperfect world can seem like climbing to a topless mountain, but maybe, just maybe we’ll begin to realize that being “perfect” in this world isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
