S1E29 - A Perfectly Imperfect Life

Your Perfectly Imperfect Life

“We all have perfect moments in life, and it's exceptionally healthy to seek to be our best in these moments.” In this week’s episode, McKay brings the truth of this quote to vivid life by opening our eyes to the illusion of perfection and spurring us on to seek optimalism and excellence instead.

He begins by sharing the story of Yogi Berra, and then highlights the attractiveness about the world’s imperfection and points out that if the world were perfect, it would be less attractive. McKay assures us that it’s okay to allow ourselves to be imperfect and show our imperfections, and goes on to elucidate the effects of living with the unrealistic need for perfection. He also shares tools on how to deal with unfair criticism from others and practice forgiveness, and shows us that there is great benefit in failure and that we need to worry a lot less about what other people think about us. Overall, McKay encourages us to leave behind the title of perfectionist, adopt the title of optimalist, and end the unhealthy anxiety of being perfect.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

· Stories of perfection, forgiveness, and failure

· The problem with the constant pursuit of perfection.

· How to deal with unfair criticism from others.

· Carol Dweck’s research about having a growth mindset.

· How to get past mistakes and deal productively with the emotion.

· The bliss in apologizing, admitting mistakes, committing to doing better, and approaching life humbly.

· The definition of an optimalist and an encouragement to be one.

· Good grace.

Quotes

“If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be.”

“We seem to aspire to be perfect, but in the doing so we often struggle with the anxiety it creates”

“We're all flawed in one way or another.”

“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.”

“You can apply your energy in one of two directions, defending or learning, because the truth is, nothing is perfect”

“How do you get better at forgiving? Remember the many times in life you've needed forgiveness.”

“Just like a muscle is built back stronger after it's broken down through exercise, so we grow by attempting something and failing.”

“Neurologically, our brains become more resilient to whatever failures and discomfort we experience regularly.”

“It takes a great deal of character and strength to apologize quickly, but it also builds character when we apologize quickly.”

“When we seek to redirect and right our wrongs immediately, we tend to build relationships no matter how big our mistakes.”

“Time spent pursuing flawlessness is time squandered.”

“No matter how slow I go, I'm still lapping everyone on the couch.”

“Grace is an enabling power that will help you find those perfect moments in life.”

Show Links:

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen