Message of the Day: Being Perfect or Being You

Good Morning,

 

My latest read was Anna Quindlen’s ‘Being Perfect’ (http://www.amazon.com/Being-Perfect-Anna-Quindlen/dp/0375505490). It is a short and powerful book with a strong message. I love those books.

 

This book starts off with being perfect and all that goes into acting, thinking and being perfect from the author’s perspective. Then cracks in the shell of perfection start showing up. Over the course of the book, filled with pictures, Anna Quindlen’s message about the importance of being yourself comes through. By the end of the book, it is no longer the goal to be perfect, but to be yourself.

 

We are not perfect. We may be good at some things and maybe even the world’s best in others. Karen, my wife, as previously stated makes the world’s best meatloaf. Since there are more facets to ones life than cooking a mean meatloaf, or giving the best presentations or crafting the best code, there are going to be areas where we are not perfect.

 

And that is ok!

 

Our imperfections then are what make us unique. Everyone has a different level of skill and ability than others. These differences help make it possible for us to be ourselves.

 

Being ourselves means we have an identity which is ours alone.

 

Anyway, the world would be a lot more bland and boring with everyone being perfect. Think of it, no more soap opera’s and sitcoms because everyone is perfect, no mistakes. It reminds me of the episode of Spongebob Squarepants (yes we have young kids…..) where Squidward moves to a community where everything is perfect. What happens, it got old fast.

 

While we should strive to improve ourselves, remember we are looking to be MORE of who we already ARE. Do not try to fill a mold of perfection, because for one thing, it is near impossible. Secondly, if it is not who we are, how long will we have to keep it up? What will happen to us as we funnel all of our energies to be the best in this one area which is not really us?

 

It is okay to be who we are, and work to improve ourselves, and it is okay NOT to be perfect.

 

Being our flawed selves is just fine!

 

Enjoy!

 

Sanford Berenberg

Sanford@berenberg.net

http://www.berenberg.net

http://sanfordberenberg.blogspot.com/

502-533-9336

 

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