Is perfection over rated?

I was raised in an environment where perfection was praised, encouraged, even adhered to in a religious sense. The outcome - me. The quintessential perfectionist that expects such of herself and of everyone around her. Today I was gently (no abruptly) reminded that perfection doesn't come naturally...to me, to others, to a work environment...no matter how hard you try to nurture it.

To that, I believe perfection can be overrated. The perfect kiss, the perfect score, the perfect reaction, the perfect look, the perfect way to handle a situation. Who's setting the bar here?

No, instead, it more about natural co-habitation. And perfection is achieved, innately, by two or many people of a similar kind weaving their lives, their career goals, etc...together to make something even more amazing that what it was on it's own.

The way that a job "fits" one person or another, the same applies to a relationship. Relationships yes, can and should be nurtured. Longevity in any relationship, be it personal or professional, requires a degree of work. But when perfection becomes a chore, when perfection becomes unattainable...you have to ask, are we seeking perfection...to a fault? To a fault, that in our effort to achieve perfection (the gold star) that we overlook larger objectives? Rather that a relationship, of any value, is about optimizing on a "good thing" versus force-fitting a "decent" fit and trying to perfect it?

So how do we change this outlook/habit amongst so many of us? Why does perfection supercede natural habitat for so many of us?

A few of my own observations:

1. I have a weakness for problem solving. I'm like a leech to the challenge. I can't let go until it's resolved. But sometimes I don't know when to just...let ...it...go.

2. I'm a loyalist, as I'm a perfectionist...to a fault. If I care about you, about a job, etc...I have a very hard time letting go. Letting go often equates to me as "giving up". And I, no, no, no...I do not give up. Correction. I should learn how to give up. It's healthy. Why are we so afraid of losing something we never had in the first place?

3. I don't always adhere to my instinct. Instinct is yes, a natural gift that we should all nuture. Sometimes we overtly overlook it though and instead, put something on the wall and chase it until the cows, well, never come home. The note on the wall is saggy, the writing has fading and we're still wearing our running shoes. Listen. Now. If that significant person does more to challenge you than support you, listen. Something is wrong. Move on.

Single? Yes.
Why? Trying TOO hard. Striving for something we call "perfection" that when boiled down equates to - "I'm crazy loyal, crazy driven to something better and don't know when to call a spade a spade."
Game over. Moving on.