The Picture Imperfect Life
Dr Sp Mishra
Author I Certified Career Mentor I Start-up Founder & Cofounder I Podcaster I Consultant I Ex-JCB I Ex-Wirtgen
Introduction:
This blog portrays the obstacles and development in my path, influenced by insights and knowledge from different origins. It discusses difficulties, achievements, and learnings, forming a rich tapestry of motivation and enlightenment. It represents self-reflection, strength, and progress, demonstrating how challenges and experiences can lead to transformation. My perspectives are heavily shaped by Advaita Vedanta principles and the teachings of thought leaders such as Simon Sinek , Brené Brown , Prof Steve Joordens , Swami Sarvapriyananda, Dr Wayne Dyer and many others.
From an early age, when children start primary school, they are introduced to various subjects academically and are assessed to determine their proficiency. Report cards grade students based on their performance, with good grades being celebrated by stakeholders and lower grades becoming the responsibility of the student and their parents. However, neither schools nor society teach us how to handle setbacks and failures from childhood. Every societal system is designed to bring out the best in a person, or other words, perfection. This approach, combined with societal influence, places us all on the success treadmill where perfection is everything. Anything less than perfect is unacceptable.
The Myth of Perfection:
The concept of looking perfect, being the perfect person in the family, society, country, or world, and never failing creates a system of denial when something goes wrong. How can this happen to me? Growing up, we are conditioned to embrace only perfection. This often leads to denial, followed by shame and guilt, when we encounter setbacks or failures.
However, life is a mix of many failures and few successes. Most of the time, we will face setbacks and failures rather than successes. Remember a small child trying to stand and walk? They try and fail many times, but they never give up. Eventually, they stand and walk. Similarly, in life, there is no perfect situation. We are all striving towards perfection, and that is the journey of life. So, every time you see the perfect person, couple, family, holiday, career, spouse, or student, don't take it too seriously. It may be societal pressure to present a perfect picture on social media. Beneath those perfections are numerous efforts, hard work, setbacks, and struggles that are not visible (like the iceberg).
Embracing Imperfection:
We are all on a similar journey of growth and development, much like a baby learning to stand and walk. Just as the baby perseveres and continues to make efforts despite stumbling and falling, we too must persist in our endeavours. Each step we take, and each challenge we overcome, brings us closer to our goals. It is through these challenges that we learn, grow, and ultimately evolve into stronger, more resilient individuals. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth, every stumble is a chance to learn. So, keep pushing forward, keep taking those steps towards your dreams, and you will find yourself walking confidently towards the next challenge that awaits you on this journey of life.
Learning from Setbacks:
As Brene Brown frequently underscores in her work on vulnerability, it is crucial to recognize that vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness; rather, it is a profound source of strength. By allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to authentic connections and personal growth. Embracing our imperfections and setbacks with courage and honesty can pave the way for resilience and self-compassion. This willingness to confront our vulnerabilities can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, fostering empathy and genuine relationships.
Simon Sinek echoes this sentiment by highlighting that true success is not contingent on perfection but on the willingness to embrace continuous improvement and learn from failures. In a culture that often glorifies flawless outcomes, Sinek's perspective serves as a powerful reminder that growth and achievement stem from a process of trial and error. By reframing our perspective on success to prioritize learning and growth over perfection, we create space for innovation, creativity, and personal development.
In essence, both Brene Brown and Simon Sinek advocate for a paradigm shift that encourages individuals to embrace vulnerability, imperfection, and failure as integral parts of the journey toward personal and professional fulfilment. By cultivating a mindset that values authenticity, resilience, and continuous learning, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and courage, ultimately unlocking our true potential.
The Role of True Education:
Our education system must prepare the next generation by instilling values such as resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn from failures. By teaching children to approach setbacks with a positive mindset, they are empowered to see challenges as opportunities for personal growth. By incorporating lessons on resilience and adaptability into the curriculum, a supportive environment is created for students to embrace challenges and cultivate a growth-oriented outlook. Educators strive to nurture individuals who are emotionally intelligent and persistent, enabling them to confidently navigate life's complexities. During a podcast discussion, Prof Steve Joordens envisions a future where traditional schools are replaced by personalized AI-powered tutors, like "Yoda," which provide lifelong guidance not only in academics but also in life skills. This concept is truly fascinating to me.
Redefining Success:
Success is more than just achievements and accolades. It involves personal growth, self-improvement, and learning from experiences. True success is intertwined with resilience, perseverance, and authenticity. It involves facing challenges head-on, using setbacks for growth, and aligning actions with values and beliefs. Embracing imperfections cultivates self-compassion and propels us towards genuine success.
Conclusion:
Life is not about achieving a perfect state; it's about the journey towards improvement. Every perfect picture you see might hide countless struggles and efforts. Remember that we are all on the same journey, striving to walk through life's challenges. Embrace your imperfections, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward. The picture of imperfect life is where true growth and resilience lie.
PS: This was originally posted on my blog post (where I regularly write about different subjects that I am learning at different times).