I have always questioned the idea that we should only present a perfect, flawless version of ourselves to others. This mindset always seemed limiting to me, encouraging the superficiality of perfection over authenticity and ingenuity. All around us, we are often told that perfection is achievable and that we should strive for it. “Practice makes perfect” is a phrase that we have all heard at least once in our lives from our parents or coaches. But is perfection really the goal? Is it even attainable?
Life, after all, is inherently messy. We humans are full of flaws, mistakes, and struggles. Each of one of us shares vulnerabilities. Yet, society often equates imperfection with wrong, leading many to believe that we must hide our and flaws. But in a life full of imperfections, should perfection really be the goal?
This question of “perfection” often comes to mind when I visit museums with my family. Time and again, I notice people flocking to see the most famous artworks, neglecting less celebrated pieces of art, as if only what they consider the most well-known and “perfect” art deserves their attention. Take the Louvre as an example: the line to stand in front of the Mona Lisa is often longer than the time most visitors spend exploring the museum altogether. The idea of looking at the most “perfect” artworks often reduces the richness of art to a single focal point, leaving many other stories untold and unseen. At museums, those who squander their times staring at the most famous pieces of art undeniably neglect all of the other celebrated works of art around them. In short, their strive for the most ‘perfect’ merely blinds them, leading them away from seeing beyond what’s on the surface.
Furthermore, in the world of art, perfection is ironically almost never the goal for artists. In fact, every artist neglects the idea of perfection and embraces imperfection, which is why they are able to express themselves so freely. In the end, it is this unfiltered expression among artists that makes art so unique and compelling; it is raw, unconfined, and truly human.
As a result, expression should never be confined by the need for perfection or approval. In fact, it is boundless in scope, and is a form of freedom. For me, whether it was sharing poems I’ve written during moments of reflection, sketches I’ve done in my local park, or even the silly YouTube videos I’ve created with friends, I never hesitated to express myself out to others. Indeed, I found value in the freedom to express myself authentically. In the end, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real and genuine.
Ultimately, by choosing to express the true version of myself without worrying whether I was “perfect,” I learned that vulnerability is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness and failure. In the end, to live with true vulnerability means accepting that perfection shouldn’t be the goal. Life about embracing our imperfections. The freedom and willingness to express ourselves is what makes us human. So, don’t be afraid, and find pride in it.
