We often think that our main goals are linked to perfection, however, we are unaware of the devastating effect this unattainable concept has on our outlook on life when we cannot achieve it. Though the textbook definition of perfection is, “the quality or condition of being perfect and without flaws”, it is a vice that harbors many doubts and insecurities and holds us back from things we want to do for fear of not being good. Perfection is a concept that cannot be achieved as it does not exist. Until high school, I thought perfection meant being the best at everything and getting perfect grades on every assignment. I wanted to be the physical embodiment of perfection, the epitome of perfect, so that when you heard my name, all you could think …show more content…
It left me wondering how repetition could possibly lead to achieving perfection. As a result, whenever I came across stumbles in my academic career and got anything less than a 100, my mind was a constant barrage of “study, study, study” and “more, more, more”. I never once doubted the validity of this saying or think to myself, “Maybe I can’t be the best at everything.” The saying, like the media’s advocation, gave credit to the existence of perfection, though it does not …show more content…
Whenever this happened, some always felt the need to blurt out that they knew something “the smart kid” didn’t; it was a terrible feeling that I tried hard to avoid. The concept of perfection also had a significant affect on my daily life outside of school. It prevented me from trying new things for fear of not being good at everything. As a perfectionist, I spent less time with my family because I was always studying, redoing notes, and “perfecting” assignments and
In the article “Other-oriented Perfectionism Vs. Self-oriented Perfectionism” by James Anderson, he states, “Self-oriented perfectionists have exceedingly high personal standards, strive for perfection and expect themselves to be perfect.” Anderson, James. "Other-oriented Perfectionism Vs. Self-oriented Perfectionism." ReliaWire, 14 May 2015. http://reliawire.com/other-oriented-perfectionism-vs-self-oriented-perfectionism/ This type of perfectionist can cause mental health problems in people by having them struggle to reach the standards said in the above quote. One thing that one with self oriented perfection might struggle with is low self esteem because of their high standards. Another example of the different types of perfection would be Socially Prescribed perfection. “…believe that others hold unrealistic expectations for their behavior (and that they can't live up to this); experience external pressure to be perfect, believe others evaluate them critically.” Pychyl, Timothy A. “What Flavor of Perfectionist Are You? It Matters!” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 30 Apr. 2008, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters. For one to believe that others want them to accomplish unrealistic standards can really affect the way someone feels about oneself. For some it might make one feel like one is unable to accomplish anything and
Perfection is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “being entirely without flaws; something that cannot be improved.” In today’s society many people, particularly young women desire to be perfect in their outward appearance. They want the perfect hair, the perfect skin, the perfect body, which so many think would be the perfect life. However, perfection of this kind is very difficult to achieve, yet so many people still want this perfect self-image. This desire for perfection has caused self-hatred within many and this pandemic of perfection is rapidly spreading amongst individuals. The song “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé Knowles clearly shows how perfection is truly a disease of a nation. People are faced with the pressure to be perfect in their daily lives, but why? Many individuals feel the need to be perfect because of parental influence, social acceptance and self-conflict.
A part of an art project I worked on involved perfection, and I needed to find something that actually is perfect. At first I tried to define it, my plan
“People are good or half good or a quarter good, and it changes all the time- but even on the best day nobody's perfect.” (Quote from Let the Great World Spin). This quote spoke to me because I struggle with perfectionism. Although I realize no one is perfect and perfection is really a myth, I still strive for it for some strange reason. I have never been one to compare myself to others. I try to be the best I can be. I see my biggest competitor when I look in the mirror. I have learned that even the word perfect in the Bible does not mean what we think it means. God would not say “Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 6:48) if it was something we are unable to do. He equips us and strengthens us to do everything He has called us to do every day. The Biblical sense of the word perfection for us as individuals means entirely complete, being full, and sufficient, from the Greek word teleioo. I used to want to lose weight. Now, I want to be at a healthy weight. I used to want to be healthy. Now, I want to be whole. Healthy means the absence of sickness or disease. Whole, on the other hand, is so much more. It is completeness, in spirit, soul, and body. I think I will always struggle with perfectionism, but giving myself grace is something I am learning as God gave grace to me, I will also give it to myself and others.
Is society so dysfunctional that the idea of a perfect human being can, not be developed
Will perfection ever be possible or is it just a concept that we have not yet decided will never be possible? Over time, people have tried to come up with a plan to make perfection possible in ¨worlds¨. These ¨worlds¨ are called utopias. Utopias sound like a beautiful environment where equality is everywhere. Except, there is more to utopias than equality. Utopias do not just have perfection or equality, the people therefore are just as perfect. In utopias, the people share everything and are united together, making their society benefit. Over the years, utopias have been built that still exist to today, unfortunately the majority of utopias built in all, have failed causing utopias to be impossible. Consequently, utopias are impossible because of poisonous power grabs, the disturbing requirements to be a part of
Some theories think perfection is possible if we could change everything about ourselves down to a genetic level. Other theories think perfection isn’t possible because human nature will always kick in if person A, a genetically “perfect” human made to be outgoing and productive, to have conflicting goals with person B, another genetically “perfect” human who had the same genes for being outgoing and productive,
In today’s society many children feel discriminated against for not being “perfect”. Though, everyone’s version of “perfect” is different. Years ago society’s version of flawlessness was muscle and being enrolled in athletic programs along with having tan skin. Today’s version of perfection is long hair, exceptionally thin waists, and lengthy legs with high heels to top them off. Another image of perfection is that of a model, girls want their lean faces, high paying jobs, and angelic wings. All women and men alike are being plagued with the desire to take hold of the perfect image, though, they eventually find out it happens to be a false and unhappy image.
I was a perfectionist and always achieved in academics growing up. However, I felt like that was not enough, I had to be perfect in all ways. This mindset is what led me to my own mental prison, Anorexia Nervosa. My experience with an eating disorder was the most challenging I have been through; however, because of it I have learned many things, specifically to hope and persevere.
I agonize over imperfection, preferring not to try, above not achieving perfection. Reevaluating my vision of success will alleviate undue stress along my academic journey. Perfection is an unrealistic definition of success in any area of life, and is not required in achieving academic success. I have heard many times, that a hard-earned B is more valuable
It is often mistaken that in order to be successful, one must be a perfectionist. However, these people fail to realize success can be achieved despite their compulsive striving for high standards. Frankly, there exists evidence that proves given similar levels of talent, skill and intellect, perfectionists perform less successfully than their non-perfectionists counterparts. Perfectionists have this notion that mistakes should not be made and mistakes made will result in them as a failure or a dreadful person for letting other people down. This method of thinking forces the fear of failure on perfectionists thus causing a lot of stress for them and disappointment as they are not able to meet their...
is hotter or colder, but never actually tell what the absolutes are. This is a
...ience true perfection. Since an ideal can never hold up to a reality, nothing can be truly perfect.
While in reality unattainable, growing up I knew only one possible goal: perfection. I had the perfect life. I was the oldest child, privileged, and had every opportunity I could imagine. I also had the “perfect” friends and “perfect” family. From the outside looking in, my life was, well, “perfect”. Society places an unbearable weight on top of girls to be perfect, including attitude, weight, hair, makeup, clothes, grades, and relationships. Many girls, including myself, fight a constant battle of escaping this perfection mentality. Over time, I learned to put on my “perfect” face, and I built up walls that kept the real me safe inside. These walls hid the insecurities that have haunted me my entire life. They constantly knock
In “Lecture XX, Conclusions” it illustrates the “world that men and beasts should live upon it and find there everything required for their necessity and convenience.” I understood that God planned the universe to be perfect, so that humans can inhabit the earth along with other living things while having all the necessary resources to survive. This shows that the universe is perfect since we can live from it and use the resources it provides us to our own convenience.