Look at the below picture first before reading the rest of the post. Tell me what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?

This image is representative of a four-hundred-year-old Japanese practice called Kintsugi. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold so that a broken piece of crockery is made more beautiful by its flaws.

That’s a great principle to apply to one’s life at large too. Setbacks are guaranteed, but overcoming them can only enhance you. When you look at life, Kintsugi serves as a metaphor for embracing your flaws and imperfections and celebrates the truth that something that’s broken (or failed) can be reconceived as something more valuable.

As we grow up, we grow in pride. We want to look flawless every single time. We become a “know-all.” Why is it that we strive for perfection? Underlying this need could be a series of events or experiences that made us believe we have to be perfect in life. Ask yourself, “What experiences in life have taught me not to take risks?” Then ask yourself, “I have to be perfect or else…”

As you carefully peel off these layers, you will realize that there is an underlying belief or fear or both that drives your need to achieve perfection. Who told you to believe them? What is the cost of trying to be perfect? Now can you be open to the possibility of triggering an imperfect action in your day? What would that tiny action be?

Nothing’s Perfect. Can you remember a perfect rose? Or a perfect hug? A perfect meal? In nature nothing is perfect, and so it is in life. Embrace the imperfections in all things! Give it your best and leave the rest.