Sometimes we are so obsessed with doing things perfectly that we don't start at all. No. This won't work. Too common.
Perfection is an illusion. We are out of our minds chasing it. We are so engrossed… what! Stop! Just stop. Let's find another one, please.
Have you ever finished a job and after you sent it, you saw something you could have done better? This looks good. But it still doesn't cut it. Nonye you should write better.
I have started this in three different ways and none of them appeals to me. I still haven't found the perfect opening so I will move on.
We all want things to be perfect; a perfect degree, perfect life, perfect children, perfect marriage.
We have been sold the idea of perfection which is why when we feel like we are not meeting up to the “standards” we start panicking.
Perfection is an illusion.
To start with, perfection is an illusion. Even those at the top still make an effort to be better, to remain relevant.
The rich still want to get richer. The richest man or woman in the world wants to maintain that position.
Your dream couple fights all the time. Their marriage or relationship is not perfect.
We are humans, scratch that, we are flawed humans. Going with the Latin maxim, “Nemo dat quod non habet,” humans can't give what they don't have (sprinkling in some Latin to remind myself And you that I'm still a Lawyer).
I think it's the imperfection in us that makes us perfect. I know it doesn't make sense but what I'm saying is this; imagine how boring life will be if everything is perfect?
There will be no need to invent anything, purchase anything, no arguments, no need for hot takes and opinions.
Aside from money and material things, these are things that make life interesting. So perfection as we know it? Wake up, sis. It's a mere illusion.
True perfection is strength and weakness, not just strength.
Choose: perfection or growth?
In my last newsletter where I shared why I'm still stuck at 100 (+1) subscribers for almost 2 years.
I have things I failed to do because I felt like I wasn't ready, it wasn't the perfect time.
I wanted things to be 100 per cent before I took a step. I wanted to be 100 per cent; perfect and ready for the position before going for it.
But since we have already established that perfection is an illusion, you are wasting time if you are waiting.
Choose growth over perfection. Since this year I have been posting videos on IG every day. One thing I have learnt is growth is better than perfection.
When I started recording videos, I didn't have a tripod or mic. Heck! I'm using my Android and not an iPhone. But who cares?
I still don't have an iPhone, a camera or a tripod but I have improved especially in my video editing skills.
Choose growth. Take action. Be patient.
True perfection comes from constant practice.
I'm a “good” Catholic girl. While growing up I used to attend Block Rosary. We usually celebrate our anniversaries every four years.
But I noticed something, we usually start anniversary preparations a year or two before the picked date. We get the children ready to perform with constant practice.
By the day of the anniversary, all the children are familiar with their routines and what to recite. They perform well, and everyone is happy.
Want to get better? Practice. Practice. Practice.
Here is another thing you should add; evaluation. When you practice, take note of your weaknesses.
This helps you to know where you need more work. Continue to practice while working on your weaknesses.
Quick confession; After all the stress of trying to find the perfect beginning, I almost abandoned this writing till a time I felt like it but I reminded myself that I want to do better now. So I hope you are putting in the effort in whatever you are doing. Don't be discouraged by the things happening around you.
Don't wait to be perfect. Start today and grow. I'm rooting for you always.
With love and everything beautiful,
Chinonyelum
Media of the Week
Podcasts:
I am trying to cultivate the habit of listening to podcasts. I listed to another episode of “What now?” by Trevor Noah where he had an amazing chat with Dwayne Johnson (the Rock).
It was interesting and I picked a couple of things including how important traditions and cultures are. I saw a different side to Dwayne Johnson that I liked.
I enjoyed him sharing his stories and struggles with depression. While the environment shapes people, how you react to it counts and actions you take matters.
The only thing I would say is go listen especially if you are a fan of The Rock.
Books/Other Writings:
I am still reading “Wahala” by Nikki May and I have a lot of things to say. I was able to read some pages but not much. I love the story line.
I read a couple of newsletters too and will be sharing some recommendations in the next newsletter.
Picture:
I'm leaving you with this picture. I honestly can't remember where I saved it from but credits duly given… go execute those ideas.
See you next week. Find this letter valuable? Do share and leave a comment.