From as early as I can remember, perfection was not just a goal of mine; it was my identity. My world was a meticulously arranged canvas – every stroke had to be precise, every color perfectly blended.

Whether it was earning an A on every test at school, ensuring each project at work was flawless, or keeping my home immaculately curated, I thrived on the accolades that came with being 'perfect.'

But beneath this veneer of perfection, I was sad and exhausted from constantly chasing an unattainable standard.

And I didn't even realize the standard was a myth. There's no such thing as a perfect life or a perfect person.  What's considered 'perfect' to one person, could be considered a 'mess' to another person. Perfection is a matter of perspective.

Once I realized that I could never be 'perfect' in everyone's perspective, I gradually learned to embrace imperfection in my life. I started enjoying activities without the pressure of being perfect at them, including the work I do.

Overcoming perfectionism didn't happen overnight. It was, and still is, a journey. But I've learned to appreciate the beauty in imperfections and I often realize that other people enjoy the work that I've done even if I don't see it as perfect.

This shift in perspective has been an eye opener for me. It made me understand that often, our harshest critic is ourselves and that what we perceive as imperfections can actually be sources of beauty and innovation in the eyes of others.

So I decided that perfectionism would no longer hold me back. In the past, the need to be perfect often stopped me from trying new things, fearing that I wouldn't do them perfectly. I've now shifted my focus to making progress, however small or imperfect. This change in mindset has been freeing. I'm no longer stuck in place, afraid to move forward or in a different direction.

Each step, even with its flaws, is a step towards growth and learning. I've come to realize that the real progress lies in moving past the fear of not being perfect and embracing the journey of continuous movement.