Reflections with Dr Esang Esitikot: Develop the Habit of Embracing Imperfections

Reflections with Dr Esang Esitikot

Success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about constantly learning, evolving and growing. And that starts with acknowledging our imperfections,” so declared  Lachlan Brown. To Stephen Hawking, “One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist… Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.” Let’s reflect on accepting imperfections as part of life’s necessity. 

Are you often disappointed when everything does not go as you plan? Has the need to get everything perfect slowed you down from taking key actions? Are you caught in the web of analysis paralysis because you want to get everything right before taking action? Do you know that embracing imperfection is different from accepting mediocrity? As Lachlan Brown noted, “Many successful people begin their day by embracing their flaws and accepting that they won’t get everything right. This isn’t an admission of defeat, but rather an empowering act of self-acceptance that fosters growth.” The reality, as Daphne Delacroix noted, is that “Nothing and no one is perfect. It just takes a good eye to find those hidden imperfections.” While perfection seems lovely, focus on it may instigate inaction, foster disappointment, generate intolerance and push one to the world of idealism – a world with no human occupants. 

So, let your passion be for excellence not perfection. Accept imperfection as part of life and reject the temptation to let your admiration of idealism prevent you from taking timely action to move forward. Know, as Brené Brown stated, that “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” As Amit Ray noted, “Life is not always perfect. Like a road, it has many bends, ups and down, but that’s its beauty.” When you feel you need to get everything all figured out before action, remind yourself of Lois Bujold’s note: “Since no one is perfect, it follows that all great deeds have been accomplished out of imperfection. Yet they were accomplished, somehow, all the same.” In your relationships, recognize that sometimes you may need to act as Devon Ashley who declared, “I’m not looking for the perfect man. I’m looking for the man whose imperfections I can put up with.” In all you do, aim high, pursue excellence, abhor mediocrity but learn to live with the reality that life is not perfect neither are men or their acts.

As you start your day, remember Lachlan Brown’s thought: “It’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to be a work in progress. In fact, it’s in this raw and honest state that we often find our greatest potential for growth and success.” In all you do, be conscious, as Mandy Hale noted, that “Life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly…but merely to be LIVED. Boldly, wildly, beautifully, uncertainly, imperfectly, magically LIVED.”

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Dr. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a chemical engineer, an HSE professional, a public affairs analys, youth mentor and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil and gas company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only).