You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be Successful

The popular weight loss program Noom is not based on a particular form of dieting, but on changing life habits to achieve weight goals.  As part of their learning program, they introduce participants to the concept that, “You don’t have to be perfect to be successful.”

This is a good thing to keep in mind for any area of one’s life.  Successful people are not perfect. They achieved their success despite their failings and setbacks.

History has demonstrated that some of the most successful and influential people overcame difficulties on their way to success. 

• Thomas Edison failed many times before successfully inventing a working light bulb.
• Abraham Lincoln experienced many defeats is his attempts to hold public office before being elected president. 
• Bill Gates first business ended in failure.
• Ben Franklin had to drop out of school at age 10 because his parents could not afford to keep him there.

Since none of us can be perfect, striving for perfection can hinder us, not help us, on our path to success.  Struggling for perfection will not make us better people. It will eventually make us defeated people.  It will likely cause us to frustrate ourselves and others close to us. 

Achieving success is an ongoing process.  We must constantly learn and grow, while keeping focused on where we want to go.  There will be set-backs, disappointments.  People we trust who let us down.  These are realities of life and while they hurt, they add to our capacity to be successful if we learn from them. 

What success means to each of us is unique.  We must each decide our priorities, set our goals, decide on the paths we want to take.  Real success will, of course, include achieving our goals.  But true and lasting success involves a commitment to personal excellence and being the best person you can be.  It may also include developing meaningful and lasting relationships with others, and giving of ourselves, our time, our talents and abilities, and our wealth to help others and make our world a better place. 

However you define success, it is important to recognize the distinction between being our best self and being perfect.  Be reasonable with yourself.  Instead of aiming for perfection, be determined not to let setbacks derail you.  Stay focused and keep moving in the direction of your goals.  You don’t have to be perfect to be successful!