The Beauty of Imperfection

As an editor, my job requires me to be somewhat of a perfectionist. It is up to me to review style guides and project-specific instructions as well as to know and be highly skilled at spelling, grammar, and accuracy, in general. Our clients count on our editorial department to intensely and critically review their materials to catch and fix mistakes or to make suggestions when the text sounds awkward or a fact appears to be incorrect.

When considering the importance of catching mistakes, especially in print work, it’s understandable why editors strive so hard to be perfect. Most people could never imagine how many mistakes we have caught and fixed among all our various projects over the years, but miss one typo, turning “mature” into “manure,” and boy do we feel lousy. Thankfully, at Composure, we have a team of editors who work together to create the best possible products for our clients. Using a system of checks and balances, what one of us might miss during a first round, the other catches in a second review. 

While striving for excellence is understandable, admirable, and necessary, especially in the world of publishing, perfectionism actually makes it harder to meet the goal of being “perfect” or reaching a peak level of performance. Perfectionists may meet and even exceed the requirements of a project; however, they typically do so while experiencing a lot more stress than someone who is simply a high achiever. This level of intensity can lead to serious burnout. Letting go of unrealistic expectations leads to a calmer mindset and a more balanced life.

According to Elizabeth Scott, MS, a wellness coach, “Perfectionists, like high achievers, tend to set high goals and work hard toward them. However, a high achiever can be satisfied with doing a great job and achieving excellence (or something close), even if their very high goals aren’t completely met. Perfectionists will accept nothing less than, well, perfection. ‘Almost perfect’ is seen as failure.”

On a related note, I had gone out to my backyard one day to take a break from work and to take some photos (using my favorite macro lens on my Canon Rebel XS). I saw a dandelion in the yard. But it wasn’t whole. I was searching for a beautiful, perfectly round picture to add to my collection of nature photos. So, I glanced around the yard, but unfortunately there were no other dandelions to be seen, and so I had to settle for the one pictured above. I had failed to find the image I was looking for, and I was disappointed. I spent several days searching for that elusive “perfect” shot. It was only later, when I stepped back from the search, that I recognized the beauty that can be found even in imperfection. 

I think the whole experience of looking for and striving for perfection is a big part of who I am, as a person and as an editor, even though I know I will never achieve it. However, I am happy to say that after reading several other articles on the subject, I have come to realize that perfectionism is actually not my problem. High standards do not make it difficult for me to meet deadlines, finish tasks, or trust others. I don’t get angry, anxious, or frustrated with my assignments; I am not overly critical of myself; and I don’t engage in excessive behaviors. Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. So, that’s all good to know.

Overall, I believe I am a high achiever and I’m proud of my work ethic and the skills I bring to the table. While I must admit I am not nor will I ever be perfect, I also have to admit that I will always strive for a high level of achievement and growth in my work as well as in my personal life.

Speaking of growth … I took advantage of another opportunity to seek out and photograph a dandelion, and this time I got a lot closer to the image I was originally looking for. Sometimes it just takes a little persistence and patience to reach your goals.