The Epidemic of Insta-Perfect
There once was a time when it was perfectly normal to have abnormalities or unique features that set us apart. In fact, some of those unique features were even considered beautiful.
Take Cindy Crawford for example. Before she hit the big time, she wanted to have her now infamous “beauty mark” removed but her mother convinced her not to. Three decades later, she’s still a beauty icon.
This post will be short and sweet.
I want to talk about something I see as a serious problem with the world we live in today. The problem of perfection. (Or rather the illusion of it)
When you’re scrolling your social feeds, how do you feel? Hopefully, you’re not comparing yourself with the lives, or bodies, or marriages, or vacations that you see, but I know a lot of people are.
Social media is great for so many things — keeping in touch with friends and family, staying connected with your community, finding helpful resources and so much more. But it also presents a false reality — even if the person posting the content isn’t intending to do so.
No one is going to post a gym selfie that shows a little cellulite on their thigh. No one is going to happily announce their spouse cheated on them and they’re getting a divorce. No one is going to post a video of their toddler having a complete meltdown in the grocery store checkout.
What we see on our social feeds is typically through a “perfect filter.” We see the best of someone’s life on their social platforms.
I’m not advocating for airing your dirty laundry on your social media — that would be weird — but I am advocating for you to offer yourself some grace if you find yourself comparing your life to the lives you see through a “perfect filter.”
The scary trend of “perfect” in fitness
Taking this to the fitness side, there are some really CRAZY things that people are doing as they chase after perfection.
You know what inspires me? When I see someone who might not be in the best shape of their life but they’re working hard towards a goal. Or when someone is determined to make positive changes in their life even if they don’t “feel like it.”
I think somewhere along the way, the chase after perfection has made us lose sight of what’s truly inspiring.
Having butt implants isn’t inspiring. Having a drive to be mentally or physically stronger than what you were last year IS.
Don’t Succumb to the Madness of Perfection
Fitness is not just for ultra-athletic, strong-bodied people. It’s for everyone.
Don’t chase perfection. Chase after being a better version of yourself.
Start where you are, even if that’s at years of no activity.
Don’t let yourself wish you could be the girl in the size 2 Lulu leggings and crop top. Rock what you’ve got — you are the only you out there.
And one more thing — perfect is an illusion that will keep you in a constant state of grasping at straws. Grab a barbell instead and rack that weight.
