Perfection. Today, women today are placed under the constant pressure to achieve it. This stems from the fact that society’s standards are increasingly heightened. With all the supermodels we see in Victoria's Secret advertisements and the airbrushed actresses we view on TV, it’s almost impossible not to be affected by this pressure. We’re expected to be tall, skinny, beautiful and perfect. But this “perfection” extends beyond that of looks, too. In addition to being physically beautiful, we’re also expected to be a perfect student, have a thriving social life, and an oh-so-handsome beau. Whenever we’ve achieved this balance, we are told we’ve achieved perfection.

When we follow celebrities on social media, we see the lives of the glamorous, those elite few who seem to have it all. You only have to look as far as pop stars such as Taylor Swift and her mega-successful life to see the high bar that has been set. It’s hard not to follow these stars online and not feel lacking in our own lives. The important thing to remember, however, is that no one has a perfect life. Even celebrities that seem to “have it all” deal with their own inner demons. Take stars like Demi Lovato, who dealt with cutting, and Owen Wilson, who attempted suicide. Social media does an excellent job of covering up the truth and does not expose us to these harsh realities. While we think we are seeing a perfect life, we are only getting a glimpse altered clips of it.

I’ll admit I’ve often struggled with society’s standard though I’m sure I’m not alone. From birth, we’re programmed to be people pleasers. We want to make others happy, and sometimes we put this happiness above our own. And while it’s important to make others happy, it’s also important to remember that our own well-being is also important. I was once given the wise advice, “people are going to judge you no matter what you do, so you might as well do what you want,” and this has been some of the best words of wisdom I’ve ever been given. Today, whenever I am worrying about what others will think of me, I think of this quote. And I remember that my views matter and what others think of me should not be the biggest factor in my decision-making process. You should always do what you think is best for you; no one knows you better than you do, after all.

I believe one of the problems is we forget that we are all unique. We were all born with different body types, different talents, and interests. These differences should be celebrated, not criticized or judged. We should not feel the pressure to mold into what society expects us to be. Instead, we should be encouraged to pursue our differences because these differences are what make us great. It’s not until we’re comfortable in our own skin that we’re able to reach our full potential. It’s not until we are at peace with ourselves that we can achieve true happiness and the “perfect” life.

I think this knowledge is the true secret to a happy and fulfilled life. Happiness is not something that can be achieved by attaining the products celebrities endorse. It’s not starving ourselves to achieve the skinny model body, nor is it only posting pictures of ourselves on social media that make us appear to have it all. No, the first step to achieving a fulfilled life is the courage to admit that perfection is unattainable. Perfection is an ideal created by society in order to make us feel inferior in ourselves. True happiness is found when we stop striving for this perfection. We begin to find that peace in our hearts when we stop comparing ourselves to others, and placing the needs of ourselves first.

So here’s to a new beginning. Here’s to breaking down barriers and redefining norms. You are beautiful. Never forget that, and never ever be afraid to take chances. Pursue what makes you happy. As Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”