Perfection: the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. In some ways, it can be an asset because it can compel you to do things right and to make sure you are giving your best effort 100 percent of the time. However, more often than not, the desire for perfection proves to be more of a liability than an asset. I am the one who strives for perfection. Everything I do has to be as close to perfect as it possibly can be. Whether it's sinking those two free throws, perfecting my penalty kick to the lower corner, or ensuring that my relay baton hand-off is just right, everything has to be perfect. Not only does this apply to sports, but it also applies to school as well. Whether it’s grades, papers, or projects, everything must be perfect or it is not good enough. This desire for perfection is not a result of teachers putting pressure on me, nor was it pressure from my family, coaches, or even my friends. This drive for perfection is a result of the pressure I put on myself.
Our culture today praises perfection and encourages the idea that to be successful in life, you must be perfect. Every day we are faced with stereotyped images of what we should look like, what we should wear, how we should act, and what we should say. After listening to the gossip about the newest trends and the new and improved ways to make yourself appear flawless, I have fallen victim to these stereotypes and it has taken a toll on my self-esteem.
Despite these cultural norms that we are supposed to succumb to, I am becoming the one who is learning that it is okay not to be perfect. As long as you put forth your best effort, that is all you can ask for. The culture we live in today has certain display rules in which we are limited in how much of our emotions are permissible to share with others. I have lived by these display rules and have kept my desire for perfection to myself. Throughout my life, however, I have learned that making myself vulnerable and being open about my emotions and the pressures I am feeling not only improves my communication skills but also can strengthen my relationships.
My family has always been there for me and I know I have many friends and teachers that support me as well. I have slowly come to the realization that if I miss those free throws or if my penalty kick is shot straight to the goalie, my teammates will still love and respect me. I have also learned that getting a B is not the end of the world. Sometimes we need these experiences to learn from and to launch us into becoming the best version of ourselves. Everyone has bad days, and I have come to accept that I can have those too. Despite what the media tells you, nobody in this world is perfect and I am beginning to realize this. There are people in this world, however, who will love and accept you for who you are and these are the people you need to surround yourself with. Over this semester, I have been working on becoming comfortable enough with my own life to the point where I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone. Through my high school years and my first year of college, I have acquired the skills I need to communicate effectively about my need for perfection. This will play a major role in my journey of learning that perfection isn’t everything and it’s okay to not be perfect.
