Do you, like me, strive for perfection? Does everything you do have to be just perfect? Of course there are several forms of perfection. It could be making sure every strand of hair is in place. It could be you spell check your blog and spend several hours on it to come up with that “perfect” blog. Do you go over every word in your head down to the last detail before you say something?
I’ve noticed there are many reasons as to why people need perfection. Maybe they just can’t stand the thought of not being perfect. Maybe they’re trying to impress someone. Or maybe it’s because society won’t let them.
That’s kind of the case for me. I won’t say society necessarily won’t let me to be imperfect, but it kind of seems like that. I happen to be ranked number 1 in my class of about 430 people and have a pretty good shot at graduating Valedictorian. But because of that, I have to basically make myself perfect for my classmates. I’m not saying all of my classmates expect perfection from me but many do. If I show even one teeny tiny bit of imperfection I am teased (and quite often mercilessly). Now before you say I should grow a backbone and take the teasing, let me say that I can- to a point. After awhile it gets old. What also gets old is how almost everybody expects perfection from me all the time and while I am a perfectionist, its hard to stay “perfect” without stretching myself to thin or disappointing someone when I can’t always be perfect.
It’s hard to be perfect and it’s unnecessary. It’s ok to be imperfect. Instead of being upset that somebody was unable to be perfect, we should know that they did their best. We should never expect perfection from someone. Basically, my point is, is that we should not expect perfection from people- just their best effort. We should also not make being perfect our main priority- we should make giving it our all the main priority. After all, nobody’s perfect.
Agreed! I used to be the "perfect" person, and I know why - but I regret it now. I missed out on just being ME because I wanted to be the best... but you've made your point well here. We don't need to be perfect. Nobody does. Where would the fun be in that? And besides, it only seems to cause resentment from those less fortunate in any way.
That's a lot of pressure. I hope you have a good support system, friends, family, or therapist, who can help you blow off some steam once in a while!
Don't be too hard on yourself, either, okay?
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I thankfully do have friends whom I can blow off steam with. I'm also glad I stumbled upon Progressive U. It actually happens to be very stress relieving.
I don't think there's anything wrong with shooting for perfection, as it makes us become the best we can be, just like you becoming valedictorian.
Nobody's perfect...and trust me, nobody will ever be perfect. We strive for perfection, yes, I see that as a good thing if it is done in a healthy way. Meaning, You always do your best, and when you screw up you don't act like it's the end of the world, and don't try to be perfect just to please other people.
Be yourself, and be the best that you can be.
-Amanda-
Although I don't think it is wrong to try your best on everything and in a sense try to achieve perfection in one particular area of your life, for example yours may be in academics, I know firsthand how you can get so wrapped up in being perfect that it is unhealthy. I have come to see why I strive to achieve the things I want to do as perfection for my own self-fulfillment, rather than for others. I think that is definitely a more healthy and rewarding way of looking at it.
Yeah...I just try to make sure everyone expects as little form me as possible, then no matter what level I achieve at, everyone is happy =]
But I know alot people with that problem of setting the bar too high.
They become very irritable, hard to get close to because they're always on edge, never at ease. It really sucks.
This may sound like a terrible idea, but maybe you SHOULDN'T make valedictorian.
Have you ever tried challenging yourself to NOT perfect something?
To become IMPERFECT?
It's extremely hard, especially with your mindset some would say its actually HARDER the being perfect. It's not like you will go to get a job one day and someone will say "Oh? you ranked 4th in your class? Sorry, we only higher valedictorians."
Go crazy. Throw around a B. See how it feels. Don't hang yourself.
~The Writer~
Under promise and over deliver, eh? Me too.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I think in some places that's considered hustling.
*shrugs* tomato, tomahto.
~The Writer~
I've actually considered stopping becoming a valedictorian. But it's kind of hard to do when it's been my goal since I was in kindergarten. But I'll try and go a little crazy. I did recently get an 89.
I am very organized and try to keep things as perfect as possible. I am not to the point of every hair has to be in place. As far as the things that need done, I will stress out if things are not handled or taken care of so I just get everything done to cut down on stress. Sometimes it means missed sleep but I almost think it is better than the stress for me.
Sometimes it is hard to live life on a schedule.
I believe that perfection is caused and should be blamed at society. I personally find it annoying when people try to be perfect. Not that I have anythng against them, it's just people seem manipulated or controlled by perfectionism, not letting them be who they can really be. I once was a perfectionist when it came to school, but soon relized that I was only harming myself socially.
Everyone's idea of what is perfect is different. Another person should not be able to determine who you are. As long as you do your best and are a good person to other people, be however you want.
Those are words to live by.
I also try too hard and fail to meet everybody's expectations. It's really hard. I wish people could just accept me, with all my imperfections. Perfection also bothers people as much as imperfection. Have you ever met that person that was so perfect you couldn't stand it?
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.