Some people are perfectionists, but I am definitely an imperfectionist. Getting something about 95% right, complete or fitted is good enough for me. I’m good at painting a wall or ceiling, but getting the trim perfect is well beyond my pay grade (not to mention the spills, which end up everywhere). Despite the imperfections and minor flaws, I get a strong sense of accomplishment and manage to complete a lot of projects and tasks.
Being okay with the fact that I have limitations—and that I am a finite, flawed, constrained, and average human being—gives me immense joy and peace. That doesn’t mean I don’t push myself to improve; rather, it empowers me to be more ambitious, to learn from my mistakes, and to let go of perfection or the pursuit of 99% excellence. Being more easily satisfied, yet keen to experiment and grow from my errors, builds confidence and encourages an urge to explore new opportunities or try something different. In most cases, good enough is actually very good—and often beyond the reach or criticism of many people. There will always be weaknesses or mistakes and opportunities for others to complain or improve, but there are even more chances for praise and thanks.
If perfection is about getting the best solution or being first, then imperfecting is about being third best. Imperfecting means deliberately practising being okay with imperfection and accepting your flaws. What I’ve observed is that “first” or “best” rarely occurs, “second best” is often late and takes too long to achieve, and “third best” is actually timely and quite excellent in most ways—with only me noticing the mistakes. At an Olympic award ceremony, it’s been noted that the bronze medallist is generally pleased with themselves and far more content than the silver medallist.
As wonderful as the notion of optimising is in economics and finance, living in a state of satisficing and imperfection is peaceful, confidence-building, and aspirational. The smaller-cup lifestyle is about continually trying to get a little better, making improvements, and savouring your third-best accomplishments.
Welcoming your finite, flawed, limited nature is empowering. And if you keep up your third-place successes, they eventually become better than the “best” finish you once aimed for.
*Inspired by "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown