None of us are perfect, and everyone of us will face that desire to be perfect from time to time. Why does this happen? The culture, in many ways, promotes the need to be perfect. That's one reason why too much media can be harmful to a healthy mindset. Social media typically posts the best and worst of people. Rarely does social media focus on average people and lives -- the way most of us live. So when you focus too often on social media posts, you may be fooled to think that the lives of others are better or that your life isn't good enough.
That perfection objective can also impact your decisions. Rather than choosing what is realistic, you may reach for perfection, and when you reach beyond what is humanly possible or positive, you may find yourself in a troubling situation. It's best to avoid this kind of perfection quest. How can you do this?
There are some truths about good living that can help people to live good lives without the kind of perfection quest that turns living sour or even worse.
People need people
It's best to situate yourself in places where you have a support network. When people isolate themselves from others in order to have the perfect house, neighborhood, or job, they may position themselves in places without a ready support network. The more complicated your life, the more you need a support network. When I was a young mom, I didn't live near family members. Looking back, this wasn't ideal. My sister-in-laws did live near their families, and that really helped them when they were young moms. That said, it's good to have some independence too so there's a happy medium here.
Live below your means
Sometimes people spend too much to reach for the perfect life. I've actually seen this pay off for some financially savvy individuals, but in most cases, when people far out spend the money they have, they create a lot of unnecessary stress. Media promotes ideal lifestyles, but the reality is that what young children need most is a loving, steady, safe schedule. They don't need a lot of glitz and glamour. So finding a way to earn an income and provide that loving, steady, safe care is ideal for young families. Similarly, at any stage, you can usually craft a way to live a rich life with a modest income. Of course, it does take some finances to live well, and it's a good idea to nurture professional efforts that will earn you that income over time. When you live below your means, however, you will typically have money for any struggles that arise, and you'll be able to pay your bills and live a good life.
Healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyles are integral to good living. Getting the rest, good nutrition, and health activity you need will set the stage for good living.
Seek help when you need it
No one lives life without any struggles. If you're struggling, reach out to get help from trusted friends, family members, doctors, and therapists. When you're in the thick of personal problems, it's difficult to clearly understand what's going on in your life. That's why getting outside help matters.
Be there for one another
Don't let too much time pass without reaching out to loved ones. Staying in touch with one another, helping out, and taking a team approach to good living can help you live a good life. Generally people need one another, and making the time to be there for one another creates good lives.
As the popular adage states, don't let perfection get in the way of good. This is sage advice for all of us..