Being Perfectly Imperfect and Overcoming Procrastination
Believe it or not, procrastination is not a symptom of not caring; it’s actually a sign that you care a lot. Sometimes, when we care deeply about something, we get in our own way and self-sabotage by adding internal pressures of having to be "perfect" before diving in. Here, we discuss four mindset shifts you can practice to overcome that hurdle and find beauty in imperfection through authenticity.
Perfection Only Exists in the Mind
Perfection is a standard set in your mind, a standard you want to meet. We believe that if our work does not reach that standard, we’re not good enough, and our work is not worthy of attention or praise. But this is far from the truth. A large part of what we’re missing here is that the standard of “perfection” we create lives only in our minds. No one else has insight into what that is. More often than not, especially in the space of content and art creation, people are looking for relatability. People understand that no one is perfect, including themselves. As a paradox, when people come across your unfiltered imperfection, they see relatability and authenticity.
Silence the External Noise
Let’s say you do come across naysayers, haters, and people who make it known to you that your work is unworthy. What do you do then? This is where building a strong King/Queen mindset needs to kick in. You need to have a profound understanding at the core of your being that you simply cannot make everyone happy. It’s a belief you need to deeply absorb into your bones, regardless of what art or reality you’re creating. Accept that not everyone will be a cheerleader, and nor should it be that way. Just think about all the content in the world. Do you find yourself gravitating to all of it, or do you just gravitate towards the ones that speak to a deeper part of yourself? Once you reach that level of acceptance, you will allow yourself to express your most authentic self. That raw self you showcase will resonate with those who it is meant to and, in turn, attract like-minded people into your orbit.
Nothing Is Set in Stone
Life is ever-evolving, changing, and moving. Think about yourself as an individual. You are not the person you were six months ago. You are definitely not who you were a year ago. You have gone through new life experiences, met new people, had perspective changes, and experienced growth in some capacity. Similarly, allow yourself to be okay with the fact that your art will also grow. There is no set “perfection” to be met. It will evolve. It may become something very different from what you began with, and that’s part of its beauty. Give your idea, project, or art that same grace. See it as a plant you’re watering, allowing it to grow its roots, sprout its first leaf, and go through the process of life to become what it’s meant to be. Planting the seed is just as beautiful as the flower it will bloom into. See your idea, project, or creation as a being. This takes off the pressure to strive for perfection and lets you lean into authenticity.
Remove the Fear of Failing Publicly
Hate to break it to you, but no one cares. Just as much as perfection is a standard we create in our minds, so is our perception of how the people around us perceive us, including during times of failure. “What will people say?” or “What will people think of me?” are entirely ego-based thoughts. Perhaps that’s why spiritual leaders have preached for humanity to lose its ego for eons. The antidote to this is developing the “So What” mindset. If you don’t succeed in that one thing you were really hoping for and pursuing, learn to say, “So What? I’ll pivot and try again differently” or “So What? Maybe it’s time to pivot and try something new.” The beauty of the “So What?” mindset is that it’ll show you the beauty of putting yourself out there and going for it. In this way, regardless of whether people resonate with your art or creative pursuits, they’re sure to be inspired by your bravery and attractive authenticity.
In conclusion, imperfection shows authenticity and never fails to resonate positively with those who are aligned with your vibration. Understand that some will never resonate with your authenticity. We’re all not meant to be alike. Once you start practicing these core mindsets, you’ll be able to get out of your own way, embrace your authenticity, let go of the idea of imperfection, and not be overwhelmed to the point of procrastination. Like any practice, mindset shifting is a practice, so always remember to be patient and loving towards yourself as you embark on this new journey of self and creation.
