LOH #223 -The Beauty of Progress: Letting Go of Perfectionism for a Happier Life!

Good day, everyone!

Today is an excellent day to share my thoughts on one of the questions posed by @joanstewart.

I chose this question because it is very relevant to my progress.

Chasing perfection is not progress. When opportunity allows watching young women perform on sports fields worldwide, it is progress in performance, learning strategy, working together that's important. This brought me to consider how often as women we enjoy perfection and lose sight of progress required.

2️⃣ Successful women understand that perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. What steps are you personally taking to progress in 2025? Describe the situation, reasoning, and how you intend to set plans into motion.

Some people see life as a competition and think being perfect makes them the best. However, the unfortunate truth is that these people have grown afraid of failing and becoming lost, so many people drown rather than focus on their progress after each setback.

However, life is about growing, learning, and becoming the best version of yourself through experience, not about being flawless. Every action, lesson, and obstacle shapes you into who you are now.

The secret to growth is progress, not perfection. Successful women embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and never give up. They get closer to their goals with every step, no matter how small.

I am just average. I am not the most gifted, accomplished, or outstanding person in the room. Expectations are neither extraordinarily high nor low, and I reside in the peaceful middle ground. My shortcomings are numerous but not particularly notable, and my achievements are modest. Nonetheless, there is an undeniable sense of calm here, knowing I don't have to be extraordinary to be necessary.

Simple daily routines, minor triumphs, and setbacks that shape rather than define me can all bring me happiness.Being average serves as a reminder that there is value in the ordinary and alleviates the pressure to be perfect.

To embrace the middle is a silent strength in a world that values extremes. Being average does not imply being invisible or uninvolved; instead, it means that I am a member of the crowd and live my life without seeking recognition. I don't have to strive for the highest accomplishments or live for praise to feel fulfilled.

Knowing I am only one person among many, contributing uniquely, gives me joy in mediocrity. The average life is not a failure; instead, it serves as a reminder that life is fundamentally about being true to oneself without feeling compelled to stand out or constantly strive for more. By accepting this reality, I've found my definition of success.

In 2025, what steps will I take to advance? 

If I were to take the perspective of a woman seeking advancement in 2025, I would prioritize:

Making self-care and mental health a priority entails taking breaks, setting boundaries, and practising mindfulness exercises to maintain balance and tranquillity.

Setting self-care and mental health as a top priority is similar to taking a deep breath after holding it too long. Peace exists even amid chaos. It is making the guilt-free decision to prioritize yourself because you deserve to be pampered, healed, and rested.

It's a messy process, but it's always rewarding. It's realizing that taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary.

Investing in personal development means reading more, learning new skills, and seeking experiences that will challenge and inspire me.

Investing money in my personal development means gradually becoming the best version of myself. The quiet satisfaction comes from pushing myself when no one is looking and prioritizing progress over comfort. It's like sowing and carefully nurturing a seed, knowing I'll be stronger, wiser, and more content one day.

It feels like I'm taking control of my story, rewriting the parts that aren't serving me anymore and bravely facing the unknown. It entails taking pride in small victories, learning from failures, and understanding that progress is about becoming rather than reaching a goal.

Building Meaningful Relationships: I strive to avoid negativity and surround myself with positive, inspiring people.

Cultivating meaningful relationships is calming, reassuring, and life-giving; it's like a warm blanket on a cold day. It's the quiet pleasure of meaningful conversations, the lingering laughter, and the implicit understanding that I'm valued, seen, and heard.

It recognizes that I have a safe space to be myself without hiding or fearing being judged. Even in the smallest gestures, such as a kind message, a meal together, or simply being present, it is about choosing love, making time, and showing up.

Fundamentally, it's about connection—the kind that nourishes my spirit soothes yours and reminds us that life is meant to be shared.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle entails caring for my body, eating well, and exercising to feel strong and energized.

I've started over by living a healthier lifestyle; I now have more energy, both mentally and physically. It entails moving quickly, feeling lighter when I wake up, and feeding myself foods that give me life. The silent satisfaction comes from making health-related decisions, such as eating a healthy meal, walking, or simply getting enough sleep.

It feels like I'm in charge of my happiness and well-being. It's the profound fulfilment that comes from making progress and the self-love that comes from caring for my body. Every step serves as a reminder that you deserve the care you give yourself, whether discipline on some days or grace on others.

Getting out of my comfort zone entails accepting new opportunities, taking on challenges, and standing up for my beliefs without fear of failure.

When I step outside my comfort zone, I feel like I'm on the verge of something new, which is exciting and terrifying. It's a deep breath before taking that first brave step, the adrenaline rush mixed with excitement. It's initially unsettling, but a soft voice beneath the anxiety says, "I can do more."

Growth can be demonstrated through real-time learning, adaptation, and discovering previously unknown strengths. It is the type of discomfort that causes change, the type of difficulty that leads to self-assurance. And when I finally succeed, I will be free. It's the realization that you were born to grow, and I was never meant to stay small.

Focusing on your daily progress rather than striving for unattainable perfection feels better.