I remember vividly the shit i went through during my high school days, you dare not score less than the pass mark (in most cases average of the total scores) if you don't want to be punished. And punishment in the part of world where I'm from involves
So we try as much as possible not to 'fail'. We cheat, pray, cram just to make the pass mark. And even outside school, our parents don't make things easier- instead of asking what went wrong and look for ways to fix them, they condemn and compare you with those that actually made the pass mark (and you'd be very lucky if that's the only thing they did).
It doesn't stop at that, it goes on and on till you graduate from college and even start working in a firm or on your own start-up.
This "mentality" of perfectionism and not giving room for mistakes is eating up our creativity.... We really need to re-orientate our inner minds that it is OK to make mistakes.
Perfectionism prevents us from moving out of our comfort zone and taking risks. It makes us feel as if we're falling short and therefore we never feel satisfied... And that's what is making the life of some miserable today.
As a young boy in his mid 20's I'm happy to admit I have made terrible mistakes and even ready to more- better ones. I've created 3 start-ups that all crashed. That doesn't make me a failure - mistakes doesn't make one a failure no matter how big they may seem. And that didn't stop me from taking more risks- even bigger ones... In fact I'm currently working on two start-ups right now.
We shouldn't make perfectionism our goal. Put resilience in its stead- the ability to make mistakes, learn from them and become a better person.
The only way light can get through a wall is when there is a crack. Do not be scared of trying out new things.
The only way you can make something happen is by being willing to take risks and taking risks means you are ready for mistakes.
It is very okay to make mistakes; learn from them when you make them and make better mistakes because that is the only way we can progress and move forward.
PS: Teachers should encourage mistakes (at least that is what school is meant for- to be better) in kids instead of punishing them. This will encourage/challenge them to try out new tasks and ask questions without feeling/appearing dumb.
Image credit:fab
Sadiq Daniel is a certified Crazy Writer and Teens Coach that blogs on business, Self- development, Life lessons and Ideas that challenges the status quo... You can pursue him on Twitter: @sadiqspeaks LinkedIn: Sadiq Daniel and Email: Sadiqdaniel@gmail.com