The Art of Imperfection

By: M Paulin

​We often see on television that athletes try everything to ensure everything goes perfectly, avoiding errors in any movement, dribble, or pass. Yet, most of the time, that isn't possible. Regardless, these mistakes shape competitors and challenge them to keep trying. A Brazilian example is Olympic artistic gymnast Diego Hypólito. He was the heavy favorite for the floor exercise gold at the Beijing Olympics but suffered a fall, landing on his backside during his final move in 2008. In London (2012), he faltered again. Despite carrying the weight of these past "imperfections" and failures, he persevered and won the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Games, moving the world with his resilience. Everyone was impressed, even more so than if he had won back in 2008.
There are also imperfections that can make things even better or more admirable. Another Brazilian example is Garrincha, his left leg was six centimeters shorter than his right, yet he is considered one of the greatest players of all time having won two World Cups. What seemed like a defect became his greatest weapon, his dribbling was unpredictable precisely because of his unique anatomy. So, sometimes, imperfections actually make you more perfect.
Lasty, imperfection is not a limitation but a catalyst. By shifting our focus away from an ideal of absolute perfection, we pave the way for genuine growth and innovation. Rising again after a fall is far more powerful than a flawless victory. Anyways our perceived flaws can transform into our greatest competitive advantages. The real trick lies in embracing these irregularities. By accepting our imperfections and turning them into hidden strengths, we discover a deeper, more resilient form of perfection, one capable of leaving a lasting impact on the world. And what would have happened if they had simply given up because of the imperfections?