It’s Alright to Be an Imperfectionist
By Uma Chandrakala
Early Years Advisor, Curriculum creator, Teacher trainer/mentor, Parenting mentor, Author and Editor
Bangalore, India
Introduction by Venkat
This article covers a topic that is relevant for everyone, both for the individual self and as a participant in various social settings. Perfection like other abstract concepts has several meanings based on varying motives towards it. It could come from a burning desire to improve in a skill in sports or arts. It could be in meeting a set expectation in thinking process in a math problem. I could be in meeting a set expectation in outward appearance. It could be in attaining inner harmony. It could be in a response that works best in satisfying a need. Lastly it could even be in a pure heart’s kindness to accept anyone and everyone just as they are. Each of the above pursuits towards perfection needs a different degree of effort and a different source of inspiration. While each is desirable at some point in time, the one of meeting an expectation or a standard set by others in a relationship is the toughest to sustain with a potential to disengage from oneself into pretense.
Ms. Uma, in an engaging and convincing dialogue, details the pitfalls of the vanity towards external perfection. She also encourages to embrace imperfection through acceptance to bring strength to our character, explore more possibilities and perspectives in life. This is a wonderful contribution and grateful to Ms. Uma for sharing it.
It’s Alright to Be an Imperfectionist
Everything is perfect, a perfect me, a perfect job, a perfect family, a perfect life, a perfect everything is all a man wants and shows. Perfection is one adjective that goes well with every individual. Being or claiming to be a perfectionist is either an excuse or an escape from facing the reality. It’s the truth of being incapable of performing any life task authentically.
The one question we all are answerable to is are we trying to project our perfectionism to please others? If yes, then how long are we going to live our lives for someone else as someone else? Isn’t it time to realize that we are losing our self-worth by trying to be someone else? Is this the purpose of life?
While we try to reflect on these questions, let’s confront them. What if I’m an imperfectionist? What if I’m incapable of performing all the given tasks? What if I don’t have a perfect job, a perfect life, or a perfect family? Do I truly deserve the appreciation from everyone for projecting to be someone that I’m not?
When we try and confront all these life truths, the one truth that hits our hearts and mind is; the truth will set us free. A divine quote from the holy book of the Bible makes it clear that truth is the only thing that helps us attain what we are supposed to. Let us all understand that it’s absolutely fine if we are what we are. Being you and being imperfect is far more worthwhile than pretending to be a perfectionist.
Being imperfect makes us fearless, more confident in our approach to life and all the more authentic. Self-acceptance is the ultimate truth. Did you know that pretending to be a perfectionist limits our mindset, constantly keeps it conscious, avoiding exploration that further holds and restricts our thought process? That’s true and isn’t that scary to even imagine being lost in trying to portray ourselves as someone else? Gone is gone and now is the time to rethink and rebuild ourselves. Allow the inside you to be the outside you. Practicing imperfections gives freedom to explore, and makes us realize that mistakes are okay and minimally noticed. Making mistakes help us learn and grow. And living a life of freedom, makes us take wise choices that eventually helps us be a perfectionist from within.
There are infinite possibilities and opportunities out there that allow us to learn by making mistakes. And always remember we are born and loved for what we are and not what we pretend to be. Living the life of truth is meaningful and hence all I say is being imperfect is okay and absolutely fine as long as you are authentic.
By Uma Chandrakala
Early Years Advisor, Curriculum creator, Teacher trainer/mentor, Parenting mentor, Author and Editor
Bangalore, India
Born in Bangalore and with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, I spent most of my years in Hyderabad where I started my professional journey of education over 2 decades back. It was not late when my profession became a passion and led to a tremendous contribution to the field of foundational years. I have a demonstrated history of working with various educational organizations and being privileged to contribute well-researched interactive, activity-based learning materials, and teacher education books. I have always enjoyed and enhanced my knowledge by being a passionate mentor and advisor.
My journey as an Early childhood professional has always motivated and inspired me to contribute more toward the little ones. The only vision that has helped me continue is to make the early years of learning a joyful experience for both the learners and the educators. The mission is to empower the teaching group as I strongly believe that a passionate teacher can create magic in the classroom and bring a smile to every child. My learning journey through the community of education has continued as I now contribute as an educational consultant, volunteer, guest speaker, academic writer, and author.
Editorial Support, Adaptive Instruction: Megha Elza John