Why Perfection is Just an Illusion in Life

We are our own worst critics. It's an old saying, but it's true. We are constantly finding fault with ourselves and looking for ways to improve. To a certain extent, this is a good thing. Constantly striving to be better is what keeps us moving forward in life. However, there is a point where this perfectionism can become detrimental.

In this blog post, we are going to dive into why perfection is an illusion and how you can find a balance with yourself.

perfection is an illusion

Why Is Perfection Just an Illusion?

One of the main reasons perfection is an illusion is because it's subjective. What one person may deem as perfect, another may not. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. This means that perfection is something that is unattainable because it's based on someone's opinion.

Another reason perfection is an illusion is that it's impossible to achieve. We are human beings and we make mistakes. It's part of our nature. No one is perfect and no one ever will be.

Lastly, perfectionism can lead to unhealthy behaviors. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Why Struggling with the Illusion of Perfection can be so Damaging

When we buy into the illusion of perfection, it can be damaging because it sets us up for failure. If we believe that perfection is possible, we are setting ourselves up for a fall. We will constantly be disappointed with ourselves because we can never reach that unattainable goal.

It's also damaging because it leads to unhealthy behaviors. As we mentioned before, perfectionism can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also lead to perfectionistic behaviors such as binge eating, purging, over-exercising, and more. These behaviors can be harmful to our physical and mental health.

How You Can Find Balance Within Yourself

Now that we've talked about why perfection is an illusion, let's talk about how you can find a balance with yourself.

One of the best ways to find the balance is to set realistic goals. If you're constantly setting unrealistic goals for yourself, you're going to end up feeling disappointed and frustrated. When you set realistic goals, you're more likely to achieve them and feel good about yourself in the process.

It's also important to give yourself some grace. We are human and we make mistakes. It's okay to mess up every now and then. Just learn from your mistakes and move on. Grace will go a long way in finding the balance with yourself.

Lastly, perfectionism is all about perspective. If you're constantly comparing yourself to others, you're never going to feel good about yourself. Everyone is on their own journey in life, and you should focus on your own journey, not someone else's.

Here are several other ways you can find the balance with perfectionism:

  • Focus on the process, not the end result

  • Let go of the need for perfection and embrace your imperfections

  • Take things one day at a time

  • Discover what makes you unique

  • Let go of your need for control and learn to relax a little bit

  • Let go of validation from others

  • Focus on self-love


The Truth about Imperfection & What's Actually Going on When You're Not Perfect

No one's life is perfect. We all have our own struggles and challenges. The key is to focus on the positive aspects of your life and not dwell on the negative.

It's also important to remember that perfectionism is an illusion. It's something that's unattainable and impossible to achieve. So don't beat yourself up if you're not perfect. Just strive to be the best you can be and find a balance with yourself.