It’s no surprise that when you try so hard to be perfect, life ends up passing you by and you can miss out on some pretty cool opportunities. Many people think that being perfect will solve all their problems and make them more likable to others but in reality, perfectionism is linked to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
We think the quote, “There is a certain beauty in chaos, magnificence in the uncontrollable” really sums up exactly why perfectionism should be left in the dust. Chaos can be transformative when embraced and welcomed with open arms, helping you grow and discover new things about yourself. And because change is the only constant in life, it’s a good idea to learn how to get comfortable with the discomfort of uncontrollable chaos.
Learning how to embrace the chaos can be considered a form of self-care and self-acceptance, two things that are very important when it comes to being successful.
The benefits of imperfectionism
Letting go of perfectionism will make you feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. And celebrating your flaws, which everyone has, can lead to a more meaningful life as you won’t be burdening yourself with unachievable standards. It’s important to remember that it is your flaws that make you who you are — they make you human.
In addition to improving your mental health, increased creativity is also another wonderful benefit of imperfectionism. For example, many artists find that creating art without boundaries and perfectionism in-mind can boost creativity and lead their mind to places it’s never been before.
Striving for perfectionism can also limit your personal growth and knowledge. Sometimes when you’re focussing too hard on achieving something that’s perfect or solving a problem, you forget to be inquisitive and curious about what’s going on around you. Following curious tangents can lead you to gain a more diverse set of information and ideas in comparison to a more narrow, focussed approach.
How to embrace chaos
To help you move in a more productive and happy direction, we’ve found some tips and tricks on how you can better embrace the chaos.
Remember that life is uncertain
It’s virtually impossible to control exactly how your life goes, no matter how much planning you put into it. By remembering and reminding yourself that life is uncertain, the ups and downs will seem a little less daunting.
Let go of things that go wrong
Stewing on things that make you angry, upset, or frustrated will only hurt yourself in the long run. When something doesn’t go to plan, take a few moments to reflect on the situation and if there was anything you could have done. Then, it’s time to move on!
Stop worrying about what’s coming next
There’s never a point in worrying about the future as you can’t control it. Plus, oftentimes people put so much energy into worrying about what’s going to happen and then it doesn’t even happen. That energy could have been better spent on hanging out with friends or self-care.
Avoid overthinking
This tip is definitely easier said than done, especially if you have difficulties turning your brain off when you’re in bed or relaxing. The first step in changing your habit of overthinking is being able to realize when you’re doing it. As soon as you notice yourself overthinking, change your train of thought or do something else to distract yourself. Taking the time to meditate or practice yoga is also a great way to give your brain a bit of a break.
