PERFECTIONISM.

Perfectionism is a subtle yet destructive force. It’s something I’ve battled with personally and observed in others’ lives. Today, I want to share two stories that illustrate how perfectionism can hinder growth and how embracing imperfection can open the door to creativity and purpose.

The Bookshelf That Wasn't Perfect

So, I bought a bookshelf. Simple, right?

Wrong!

It came in pieces, and I had to assemble it myself. Let me tell you, that process was stressful. At one point, I just sat there, staring at the pieces, and thought, If I had a man, this would be so much easier. Spoiler alert: I don’t have one. And honestly, why was I romanticizing such a mundane task?

Anyways, I powered through. It’s not the prettiest bookshelf in the world, but it stands tall, holding my books just fine. And you know what? That’s enough.

Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting things to be perfect—or wishing life were different—that we forget the simple joy of just getting things done.

There’s a quote in the Moana 2 movie mentioned by Matangi, it says, 'There’s always another way, even if you have to get lost to find it.' And it’s true. Life isn’t about following one ideal path or obsessing over how things “should” be. When we let go of that mindset, we open ourselves up to creativity and new possibilities.

When we insist on perfection, we miss the bigger picture. In neuroscience, there's a fascinating idea (the incubation effect), often practiced by geniuses. It involves stepping away from the rigid and focused thinking and letting our minds wander freely and immersed in unrelated activities. This approach has been shown to help solve really difficult problems more effectively than focused effort.

Similarly, embracing imperfection allows us to explore solutions we might have never considered. By letting go of the need for everything to be perfect, we can tap into our creative potential and find innovative ways to approach challenges.

The Mirror That Wasn’t Whole

Here’s another story. I had this mirror that cracked—not shattered, just cracked. My first instinct? Throw it out. But my sister had a better idea: she flipped it upside down. And guess what? It still worked. That cracked mirror still reflects my face just fine.

Now, I know keeping a cracked mirror might sound unsafe (don’t worry, I’m working on gluing the edges), but it taught me something important: You don’t have to be whole to be useful.

Think about that for a second. We’re so quick to discard anything that isn’t perfect—a bag with a loose thread, a project with a tiny error, even parts of ourselves.

But just because something isn’t flawless doesn’t mean it’s worthless. That simple act taught me that my “flaws” don’t stop me from showing up and being valuable either.

God’s Plan Isn’t About Perfection

Perfectionism can often feel like a moral obligation, but that’s not God’s plan for us. God didn’t create humans to live by rigid manuals or follow a single path to success. Instead, He gave us free will and creativity to explore, subdue, and replenish the earth in our unique ways.

The Bible gives us guidance, yes, but it doesn’t dictate every step. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to live your life. And honestly, the idea that we need to have it all together all the time? That’s not from God. He works through our mess, our cracks, and even our downright disasters.

When you feel the pull of perfectionism, remember this:

God doesn’t require perfection. He requires faithfulness. There are countless ways to fulfil your purpose, and your imperfections don’t disqualify you.

Letting Go Of The Ideal

The lesson here is simple yet profound:

Let go of the idea that everything must be perfect to have value. Whether it’s a cracked mirror or a messy bookshelf, imperfection can teach us more than perfection ever could.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Perfectionism isn’t about excellence—it’s about fear. Fear of failing, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. But life isn’t about being perfect or living in constant fear. It’s about learning, growing, and showing up, even when things are messy.

So, whether it’s assembling a bookshelf, repurposing a cracked mirror, or simply trying something new, don’t let perfectionism hold you back.

And the next time you’re hesitant to send that email, submit that project, or share your creativity because it’s “not perfect,” remember this:

You don’t have to be whole to be useful.

Let’s embrace the beauty in imperfection, learning, and growth.

Life’s greatest lessons often come from the cracks we’re tempted to hide.

Reflections

1. What’s something imperfect in your life that turned out to be a blessing?

2. What’s an area in your life where perfectionism is holding you back?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s talk about it in the comments.