Do you have a desire to create something new in your life, yet fear the discomfort of change? I’d like to offer the unconventional wisdom and beauty of perfectly imperfect.
Japanese culture has a word for the idea of perfectly imperfect. Wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete”.
Anyone who knows me can verify that I qualify for wabi-sabi. I love mismatched and well loved furniture that tell a story. I rarely wait until things line up perfectly before I launch a project. Going against the grain of society is usually messy.
No test, No testimony
When was the last time you allowed something to be imperfect? Can you remember a time when you really didn’t have a choice?
I was recently asked to give a ten minute talk on failure for my entrepreneur class at the Life Coach School. I prepared my talk with numerous testimonies and awaited the zoom call with enthusiasm. The day finally arrived. Out of four panelists, I was asked to present second. The first speaker brought up the term wabi-sabi. I thought that concept went well with what I had planned. It was finally my turn, but all I was able to share was a thought about being perfectly imperfect before my internet failed me. I failed at a talk on failure. Perfectly imperfect. The moderator moved onto the next speaker, promising to come back to me. After a brief freak out, I managed my presentation on my Iphone and presented last.
I restarted my talk with a Les Brown quote, “No test, no testimony.”
Later I received the sweetest message from the moderator.
“Hey Tiffany, way to roll with the tech and share such great insights! I loved the way you weaved in your own story throughout and made it so raw, real, and genuine. Way to be an example, and I’m so glad we got to learn from you!”
“When you are going through hell, don’t stop.” Les Brown
Are you uncomfortable with imperfection?
“It is normal and important to allow yourselves to be uncomfortable,” Brooke Castillo.
Discomfort is the currency of your success. It develops grit. Experts agree that if you don’t experience a little discomfort on your way to goals, you are doing it wrong. Stepping outside of you comfort zone is where real growth can occur.
Two types of discomfort
When you embark on anything new, your brain will offer you all kinds of resistance. You will immediately think of all the reasons not to move forward; excuses, confusion, not being perfect, etc.
Understanding the two different types of discomfort will help you navigate confusion and choose discomfort that serves you.
1. The discomfort of NOT growing into your potential.
This kind of discomfort is caused by thoughts that keep you stuck such as, “I’m not good enough” or “this is hard” or “this is not the right time.” These are thoughts that will not allow you to move forward out of fear of being imperfect.
2. The discomfort required to change.
This is short term discomfort with long term gains and will move you closer towards your goals. This is the kind of action that gives you butterflies in your stomach, like public speaking or trying something new.
Embracing imperfection
I have learned the secret of being perfectly imperfect. This concept has allowed me to flow towards the discomfort required to change and develop grit.
Growth that leads to success is not always the easy road to follow, but the rewards are worth it. You are worth it.
If you’d like to embrace the secret of being perfectly imperfect, I’d like to offer my help! I love chatting with midlife women who want to believe the best years are ahead. Schedule a FREE mini session by clicking on my link below and picking a date on my calendar. It really is that simple.
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
