Growing up, we are constantly reminded that no two people are actually the same. One person may enjoy reading, and another may find comfort in coding. These differences are ones we grow to love and accept. While we all may have our quirks, worrying about our image is perhaps the one trait individuals in our society have in common.
I can not speak for everyone, but I am under the assumption that we all have a habit of looking into mirrors throughout a typical day. Some of us are flexing, others fix their makeup, and a few are fixing their hair. There is nothing wrong with aforementioned behavior, but the desire to always display the best version of yourself runs strong. And on especially bad days, some may not always be satisfied with the reflection staring back them. We may feel disgust, hatred, and even resentment.
The constant pressure to be perfect in every aspect of life is becoming more apparent, and it is not okay.
When I was younger, I was warned to color inside the lines and behave as my peers did. I had no problems doing so, and was even eager to act as those around me did. It was cool to be the same! From a young age, people are taught to push down their natural desires and follow a set of standards. I remember feeling pressured and almost overwhelmed to enjoy the same “girly” colors and hobbies as my friends. I was unsure of why I had to conform to said “girly” standards, but I did it anyways.
While it may seem trivial to reflect on how society is taught from a young age to meet expectations for sets of standards, this behavior truly sticks with individuals despite changes in environments and overall lifestyle.
The pressure to be perfect physically, academically, socially, mentally, sexually, etc. is draining in more ways than one. We become caught up in improving ourselves and resenting societal standards, but at the same time can be unforgiving of others struggling to maintain “perfection.”
Conceptually, perfection does not make sense. How can one achieve said perfection? Are there a specific set of behaviors associated with perfection? Perfection is undoubtedly subjective.
And if perfection is subjective, then why are we so critical of each other?
It is time to change our behavior as members of society and learn to place less value on image. While disappointment and negative feelings towards oneself are inevitable, they are at the same time toxic.
It is time to stop looking in the mirror and expecting every day to exceed your expectations. It is time to stop looking in the mirror and worrying about being physically attractive. It is time to stop worrying about if you said the right thing every time a word passed your lips. You will not look or act perfectly one hundred percent of the time, and that is okay!
Some of the best lessons I have learned have been from recognizing my flaws. Without error, there is no room for growth. In an ideal world, we are flawless members of society in every aspect imaginable. In a realistic world, we embrace our flaws and learn to accept the imperfections of others. While our constant self-criticisms may seem normal, this behavior reinforces the idea that we always have to be on our A game. It becomes natural to be dissatisfied and put yourself down in order to obtain “perfection.”
The problem with perfection is that once we seem to have a grasp on it, our standards for it change again. And then we don’t have perfection anymore and become disappointed in ourselves again. There is always more we can be doing, something we can fix, or something we can change. The reach for perfection is comparable to a never-ending walk up a set of stairs: It is exhausting and you never know when you’ll stop.
It is okay to be imperfect, and it is okay to love said imperfections. I hope those of you reading learn to love your imperfections and find admiration for the person staring back at you when you stare into a mirror.
