It sounds good in theory, right? But how many of us practice it? Most of us struggle with our inner perfectionist every day. And often, that annoying little demon wins, whispering in our ears:
I’m too fat.
I’m too old.
I’m not pretty enough.
I’m not funny enough.
I’m not smart enough.
I’m not rich/successful enough.
The list goes on and on. Perfectionism is not only dangerous for our health but it keeps us striving for the impossible. And is that really the way we want to spend our lives?
So the next time you hear those voices inside your head, try the following experiment:
Think of someone you love. Then think of their imperfections. List them all in detail.
Now ask yourself: do you hold those imperfections against that loved person? Probably not. Instead, you may find that you actually like those little imperfect details. You probably couldn’t stand to know that he or she might have that same inner demon doing a number on them, right?
Remember the acceptance you easily give others you love the next time you notice that seemingly “massive” flaw of yours. What you accept and embrace in others should be the same treatment you freely give yourself.
You deserve to be as beautifully imperfect as the next person.