Perfection often holds us back.
The desire to avoid mistakes, ensure everything is right, and look our best can feel overwhelming.
But the reality is that perfection doesn’t exist, and that's perfectly okay. What if the constant push for 110% wasn’t the best approach? What if the energy spent on trying to get everything just right is taking a toll on relationships, teams, and well-being? What if perfectionism is actually distancing people from others, making them less accessible and relatable?
Imagine embracing imperfections instead. What if standards could be lowered a bit, allowing more freedom? What if the inner critic, which often says the harshest, most untrue things, could be quieted? What if passion could be pursued without hesitation, even without perfection?
The truth is that perfection isn’t necessary. Being great is enough, and greatness is already within reach. It’s important to accept that perfection isn’t real. Social media often shows only the polished side, leaving out the full picture. And in the end, it doesn’t really matter all that much.
1. Give Credit to Good Enough
Beauty exists in all things. It’s possible to appreciate what’s around, whether it’s the stunning vineyards across the street or the small joys in everyday life. Shifting focus from an imperfect work-in-progress to the beauty that’s present helps quiet the call for perfection. Not everything needs to be perfect to be valuable. In fact, it’s often the imperfections themselves that make life richer, more authentic, and more relatable.
By embracing good enough, there’s room to celebrate progress over perfection, finding satisfaction in the journey rather than constantly chasing an unattainable ideal. The little moments of joy, the areas where growth is happening, and the imperfections that make each experience unique bring a sense of fulfillment that perfection simply can’t offer.
When good enough becomes the standard, there’s more freedom to enjoy the present, trust the process, and appreciate what already exists rather than stressing over what might be missing.
2. Look for What’s Working
While some things may need attention, it’s also important to notice what’s thriving. The gardens at the front of the house, lovingly planted with care, are a reminder of the joy that comes from effort and collaboration. Those moments spent working together, the satisfaction of a job well done, and even the laughter shared over selecting the perfect roses add more value than any imperfection in sight.
The memories attached to those efforts, the connections made through shared work, and the sense of accomplishment all contribute to a sense of fulfillment that far outweighs any surface-level flaws. When the focus shifts to what’s thriving, it brings a deeper appreciation for the process and the people involved, making everything, even the imperfect parts, feel more meaningful.
3. Look Past Imperfections that Don’t Matter
Scratches on the front door, stubborn tape, or a few spider webs may be noticeable, but do they truly matter? Probably not. There’s no need to apologize for these minor flaws or stress over them before each visit. The focus should be on what’s important— the people, the business, the connections.
When attention shifts from the things that don’t quite measure up to the beauty and the good, it’s easier to appreciate the whole picture rather than fixate on the small details. Life becomes more fulfilling when the extraordinary in the ordinary is recognized.
