How to not be perfect

In a world that screams "be perfect!" from every social media feed and academic scorecard, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly falling short. We're told to get perfect grades, have the perfect body, perfect friends, perfect future plans. It’s exhausting, right? But here’s the truth bomb: you don't have to be perfect to be enough. Like, seriously.

This idea of perfectionism is a trap. It tells you that if you just work harder, try more, or change something about yourself, then you'll be worthy. But perfection isn't a destination; it's an illusion. Chasing it often leads to burnout, anxiety, and a feeling that you're never quite good enough. It's like trying to catch smoke.

Think about it: who sets these "perfect" standards anyway? Often, it's external pressure from school, family, or social media. We internalize these messages and start believing we have to achieve them to be valued. But your worth isn't tied to your GPA, your follower count, or how "flawless" your skin looks. Your worth is inherent, just for being you.

Body image and self-perception play a huge role here too. We scroll through perfectly curated feeds, seeing only highlight reels, and then compare our messy, real lives to those filtered fantasies. It's a recipe for feeling inadequate. Remember that what you see online is rarely the full picture. Everyone has struggles, everyone has bad days, and no one is truly "perfect."

So, how do you ditch the perfectionism monster? Start by practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a good friend. When you mess up (because you will, we all do), don't beat yourself up. Learn from it and move on. Recognize that mistakes are part of learning and growing.

Celebrate your efforts, not just your outcomes. Did you try your best on that test? Great. Did you put yourself out there, even if it felt scary? Amazing. Focus on progress, not on an impossible ideal. You are enough, exactly as you are, with all your quirks, strengths, and even your imperfections. Seriously, you are.