Every single step I’ve taken has been to get perfect grades. To perfect my talent in extracurriculars, to get into the perfect college for the perfect future. I’m far from satisfied when I see that I got a 91 in the grade book. Those nine points that I could have gotten if I had just studied for a little longer. When I do get that “perfect” grade, I’m happy for a second, then focus on achieving the next task. It’s just an endless cycle. Though, through a different lens, I’m proud of my loved ones for getting that exact “imperfect” grade. So, why set higher standards for myself?

However, those imperfections I despise are what drive me. Maybe I didn’t win that competition or get that grade I wanted. But, because I didn’t, I’m going to practice more and study harder. It makes the success worth it – if I was perfect all the time, I would achieve goals quickly with no effort. We find pride when we overcome – not when we’re handed the answer. Imperfections give us the ability to celebrate.

The imperfections bring out the best in us. Our drive, artist’s best work, monumental discoveries have derived from them. If anything, our imperfections make us perfect.

Providing feedback and pointing out imperfections gives us the second to reflect and fix. Without accepting them, perfection is impossible.

But, a perfect world is impossible. We would all be living cookie-cutter lives beside one another, inevitably becoming sick of the constant pattern. None of us would work harder than the other. No competition, no passion, no uniqueness. Motivation would lack.

The imperfections are what separate us. I may not be good at basketball, but many are. Where some lack, others thrive. We all have our own beautiful, genuine identity, and every aspect of it is perfect in one’s eyes.

Contradictory, they also bind us, but we’re able to find similarities with others, laugh about our mistakes and work together to succeed. Admitting the imperfections repairs and strengthens our relationships. 

Not to mention, perfection is subjective. Imperfections are bound to be revealed through different perspectives. I may think I’m perfect in one subject, but others have different critiques. There’s no straight answer to perfection.

At the end of the day, success won’t be the answer to happiness. The moments that bring us happiness are what life is all about, and pointing out the aspects that you’re unhappy about will never end. We’ll find freedom from the pressure, and pursue what we want to pursue – not what we “should” pursue.

Perfection is unrealistic. We should love the imperfections around us, and find happiness in them.

I’m grateful life isn’t perfect.