paradox of perfection
in our pursuit of chasing distinction, we often find ourselves entangled in a never -ending web of ‘perfection’. some term it as a state, some say its a feeling. i prefer it as a journey that drives us to push the boundaries of our states and feelings. yet, nestled within this journey, lies a paradox- a “perfect” balance between aspiration and acceptance, between striving for the distinction and embracing imperfection.
“have no fear of perfection - you’ll never reach it.” - Salvador Dali beautifully portrayed the journey to perfection. even if we were to create something which met our standards, it could never remain that way. just as things grow and blossom, they also fade and decay. seeking excellency in a world of constant change is like demanding that a beautiful sunset never end. we cannot stop the sun dipping below the horizon.
perfection is like a mirage, like a shimmering oasis in the desert of our aspirations. we strive for flawlessness, seeking validation and fulfilment in the attainment of an ideal state which we can hardly have an image of. the pursuit becomes a never-ending cycle of attempting and falling short, leaving us with a heavy heart and a dying will to walk on the path again.
but what if perfection isn’t the destination? what if, instead of chasing an unattainable idea, we embraced imperfections as an integral part of the journey towards distinction? embracing perfection does not mean settling for mediocrity or complacency. its about acknowledging our inherent flaws and limitation while striving for continuous improvement. its about letting go of the crippling fear of failure and accepting the growth that comes from making mistakes. its about cultivating self-compassion in the face of adversity.
i very much adore the japanese concept of “wabi-sabi”, which embodies the philosophy of accepting imperfections. it celebrates the beauty of impermanence and incompleteness. if finds beauty in weathered texture of an ancient pottery, the asymmetry of a handmade ceramic bowl, and the swift bloom of cherry blossom. it teaches us to embrace richness of life’s non-fulfillments.
i must redefine success on my own terms. instead of measuring success solely by external accolades, i must define success in terms of fulfilment, meaning, and purpose. done is better than perfect, i repeat to myself, as i try and get comfortable with this as a maxim. and more than that, as i go on this journey home, i must remind myself that my worth and my value do not hinge on being ‘perfect’.