All of us have an untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed

Our mind is in an endless loop playing what we said and did over and over again. And if we find that one little mistake, then begins the torment of self-bashing. The individual wishes to have a time capsule to go back and make things right for themselves and others too as they fear what others will think about them and that they will be rejected and disliked in society. In other words, all of us seek to be socially perfect. Whereas in reality, odds are that no one even thought twice about goof-up but it’s the anxious mind that won’t let the individual see the truth. We all know that no one is perfect, but just knowing that, is not enough to make society let go of their desire to be perfect.

One must choose to let others see their real self rather than hiding behind a facade of perfection.“It’s easier to be happy if we look beyond imperfections rather than seeking happiness by trying too hard to make everything perfect.” Anonymous. A recent study by Harvard Business Review concluded that while perfectionism can improve performance, it can also result in elevated stress levels, depression and anxiety as perfectionists often catch their self-worth to their ability to perform perfectly. This is a sad and true reality.

Quietly often, individuals assume that perfection is a prerequisite for the fulfilment of goals. For ages, we all are loved only when we perform, achieve or do something that makes our clients, colleagues or even adults around us proud. And unfortunately, when something unacceptable or something not good enough is approved, we get punished, ignored or even criticized. Instead, it should be believed that goals are something that helps them move forward and not something that serves as a hindrance that keeps on reminding them what they lack. If love and affection depend on what we do and not who we are, we will of course end up being anxious and depressed in the long run. In today’s fast-moving cruel society, it’s really important to understand the flaws and imperfections that make an individual real.

Embracing imperfections is key to leading an authentic and fulfilling life. Each one of us probably has a personality trait or a physical feature that doesn't sit well with us. But, if one needs to be truly happy, one must strive for excellence and not perfection. In Japan, a centuries-old tradition – practising kintsugi (an art of mending broken ceramics with gold) as a metaphor for life. It teaches that broken places make an individual stronger and better than ever before. The main philosophy behind this art is not only to value imperfections but it’s beauty too, and celebrate them equally.

By embracing the flaws and imperfections, one can create stronger and more beautiful pieces of art. Remember, in every one of us lies an untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed. The journey to success begins with a simple yet powerful choice to believe in self and the abilities.

 One must dare to dream big, set audacious goals and push themselves beyond their comfort zone. That’s where the true potential shines the brightest. Everyone is capable of achieving greatness. It's only to maximise the potential and turn aspirations into reality. Embrace your imperfections, in them one can find their beauty, strength and uniqueness.

(The writer is an educator; views are personal)