Be Imperfect

“So when you feel the desire to be perfect arise, say ‘Thank you very much, but I’ve decided to be imperfect today.’” — Dana Dorfman, When Worry Works (pg. 175)

The company Imperfect Foods will send you produce with dings and dents. Land’s End used to sell clothes that were NQP (not quite perfect) that didn’t meet their standards but were still wearable.

When it comes to humans, we tend to think of imperfection as bad, as in the examples above, inedible and unwearable. We even have the term “perfectionist attitude” for those who strive for perfection.

NEWS FLASH…

Perfection is an illusion. At least that’s how I feel. Many years ago, I was teaching myself how to make Souffle. The timing and oven temperature must be just right for it to rise. I ended up making what I call a “flop cake.” My souffle didn’t rise. I continued to try to make souffle and continued to have a few “flop cakes.” Simply by naming it, my failed souffle was no longer imperfect but a delicious dessert.

“The reality is that striving for perfection holds us back. We spend so much time doing, striving, achieving, in an endless quest to get it all “perfect,” and we end up missing out on what life is really about: being in each moment and experiencing life where we are, as we are.” — Jenn Hand, Tiny Buddha This being said, striving for perfection can motivate some of us to learn and try new things and even be engaged with the world around us. The key is to remember that perfection is an illusion. “However, I would argue that, if you can hold the concept of ‘perfection’ lightly, and not become obsessed with it, its pursuit can help you to grow, and become flexible and resilient in both your work and home life.” — The Conscious Professional

The point is that perfection can be detrimental and beneficial to our lives. It is simply a matter of how you look at it. I haven’t made a souffle in many, many years. However, I still have my Flop Cake recipe (see photo).