The Perfection Fallacy
Update: I’m into my second week of writing an article. I’m experimenting with how I write and I know that this is a long journey that gets better over time. That being said, thank you for taking some time to read this. I truly appreciate it.
Context: To anyone reading this, if you’re in a difficult situation financially and can’t afford to get downtime of even an hour, I apologise and don’t mean to sound condescending. This is specifically directed towards those who want to make a difference, stop scrolling their phones and do what they love.
Image Credits: Aditya Panikker
Growing up, I’ve heard a series of narratives. Narratives that grew stronger and formed a part of my opinion on things. Honestly, I’ve never liked these narratives because they seem to be concrete. “This is how it is”, “What will people say?”, “Do this and you will be happy” are some of these ‘false notions’ that we’re supposed to accept and take to our grave. I see that the trend is changing these days and I feel privileged. However, it does raise the question, “Why are we obsessed with such ideals?”. They’re supposedly paths to a perfect and happy life, but I’m not encouraged by what I see.
As a kid I was told, “Finish your tenth grade and you can do what you want”.
“Finish your degree and you can do what you want”
“Get a job and you will be happy”
You probably see where this is going by now. It is a perpetual series of events that supposedly satisfy you. Well, I’ve done all of this and while I do feel ‘safe’ I’m not content. It feels like we’re part of a production lineup in a factory. That sense of monotony and tedious repetition doesn’t stand out and lets you explore for once. I do not believe that there is no fun along the way. I loved my college days and would do it again but I digress.
I realise in this daily cycle there is an opportunity to break the norm. That can be scary, yes, but how often have you seen someone good at something they do and have an internal feeling of “that could be me”?
These people have become good at what they do because of practice, a decision to take the leap and stick with it. Listen to that voice, that child within, and go for it.
That was a nice ‘pep talk’ Rainar, but what’s your point? I don’t have time.
You have plenty of time. You just choose to use it differently. We find the time for what we want to do most.
Credits: The Daily Stoic
For those of you who prefer to say it’s too late/ I’m too old - I was 21 when I learned to play football, joined the gym, and learned to play an instrument. Since then I’ve learned to swim, play tennis and be an active runner.
None of this is worth bragging about, but it does raise a question from my end “What’s your excuse?”
Go do things outside your routine. Go climb rocks, learn to dance, attempt a cartwheel, or anything that sounds crazy to you. The list is endless and so are all the things you’re capable of. Make an Impossible List 😏.
I realise as I write this article, I’ve lost a sense of structure but I do hope I got the point across. There’s a reason I have this commitment to write. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.