Hello and welcome to the Choosing Happy Podcast.

It is lovely to be here.

We're heading towards the end of January already, and this week I wanted to discuss something that's a little bit different from normal.

I wanted to talk about the role of imperfection in joy and happiness.

We often feel that we're imperfect and we can put ourselves down for that.

And I want to explore it from a different perspective today.

So stay tuned for that and more in this week's Choosing Happy Podcast.

Welcome back to the Choosing Happy Podcast.

I'm your host, Heather Masters, and today we're diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us.

The role of imperfection and joy in a world that often glorifies perfection.

We're going to explore how embracing our flaws can actually lead to greater happiness.

Now, perfection is often seen as the ultimate goal, but what if I told you that this relentless pursuit can actually hinder our happiness?

As Brene Brown, a renowned researcher and vulnerability once said, perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment and shame.

And this mindset can trap us in a cycle of anxiety and self doubt.

Today, we'll discuss how accepting our imperfections can pave the way for a more joyful life.

We'll also have a look at some of the imperfections that actually turned out to be the thing that made the difference, the uniqueness that turned to greatness.

We'll share personal stories and insights on how letting go of the need to be perfect can open doors to authenticity and connection.

Now, let's start by recognizing that imperfections are part of the human experience.

They make us relatable and they make us unique.

They help us to stand out from the crowd.

And that's exactly what we want to do.

Especially if you're an entrepreneur and online and the next year and beyond, your uniqueness is going to be what really, truly gets you business.

Think about it.

What do you love most about your friends or family?

What do you love most about your favorite coach or your favorite trainer?

It's often their quirks and flaws that endear us to them.

It's often their reality, their realness, their authenticity.

Research shows that striving for perfection can lead to negative outcomes like anxiety and depression.

A study from King's College London found that perfectionism is linked to various mental health disorders as well.

So instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, we should focus on self compassion, on getting happy with who we are and also being kind to ourselves when we fall short.

Let's go back to what I said about how an imperfection can become a strength.

If you look at Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, they both became famous through their flaws.

Sylvester Stallone couldn't get movie roles because of the way he spoke, the way he looked.

So he wrote the Rocky movies for himself and he was obviously the ideal character for that.

And his career blossomed from then on.

Arnold Schwarzenegger the same.

But again, he found the perfect roles because of his build and because of the way he spoke.

So sometimes what comes across as a flaw can actually be our greatest strength.

The same for the lady who has the voice of Marjorie Simpson.

Her voice was supposedly annoying.

She would never get any voiceover work.

But it's so unique that it made her famous within the role of Marjorie Simpson.

So have a think about what you think is a flaw and how potentially that could be your uniqueness, your greatest strengths.

So let's have a reflection on how we can embrace imperfection in our lives and how we can again look for that greatness that actually might be our unique strength and that we've been calling a flaw.

So get curious about your perfectionism to begin with and notice when you feel the urge to be perfect.

Which area of your life does it happen?

Which context does it play out in?

Is it during social events at work?

Acknowledge where it happens without judgment?

Just notice and then share your imperfections.

Open up to someone you trust or a coach about your struggles with perfectionism and you might find, one, they might empathize and understand and feel the same way.

And two, they might see what you think is an imperfection as a strength, as something they wish they did.

Practice mindfulness.

You can allow yourself to notice and to increase your awareness about your imperfections and any negative emotions you associate with them by using mindful practices and recognizing that everyone struggles with imperfections.

And also that taking that detached, impartial perspective, can you ask yourself how this imperfection might actually be a strength?

It might be something that you've uniquely been given to help you stand out from the crowds and the noise and appreciate your unique journey.

Remember that your experiences, your flaws, shape who you are.

Embrace your own story around that.

And if it helps to look at those that you love and notice that some of those quirks and imperfections really connect you to who they are.

They're the things that you love about them.

And slow down.

In our fast paced world, where change is happening at unprecedented speed, take time to appreciate the beauty around you, even in its imperfect forms.

Some of the most beautiful things are special because of their imperfection.

And also remember that nothing is actually perfect.

Everything is an imperfection.

And working for perfectionism in your life and in the work you do for your business holds you back from sharing who you are, your authentic self, the real, truest version of yourself with the world.

And the world could be waiting.

Your ideal clients could be waiting for you to show up, imperfections and all.

As you know, I spent last year going live on rumble and YouTube just to overcome my fear of being on video and showing up with all my imperfections.

No matter what, I did it, I achieved it.

I learned a lot.

I learned how to improve.

But the other thing that I learned was to accept myself on video, warts and all.

Now, before I wrap up today's episode, I want to share an exciting opportunity for those who are looking to embrace their authentic and true selves and grow their online businesses in 2025.

My just results Accountability and Laser Coaching program is launching on the 1st of February.

It's a 12 month program that's designed specifically for online entrepreneurs who are committed and who want to break free from perfectionism and achieve their goals with confidence.

They want to move forward this year irrespective of the noise outside, irrespective of the noise within.

Now I only have 10 spaces available, so if you're ready to take your journey towards embracing imperfection while achieving real results, then apply now.

I have included the link in the details below and also just to let you know that this program this laser coaching program consists of unlimited 15 minute laser coaching calls.

So whenever you feel stuck in your business you can request a 15 minute call.

A just in Time Just Results call.

The Accountability Coaching part is via email.

So the idea of the Just Results is that you have limited interruption to your business and you control your time.

That's the idea.

As I say, the details are in the show notes.

Now remember, happiness doesn't come from being perfect.

It comes from being real.

It comes from being authentic.

It comes from showing up as your truest self, imperfections and all.

And this has never been as true as as in the age of AI, where we're all looking for real human connection and community.

So have a wonderful week embracing exactly who you are and join us next week as we continue exploring ways to cultivate happiness and joy in our lives.

Until then, as I say, embrace your imperfections and choose happy.

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this week's episode.

If you enjoyed it or think it would be valuable to others.

Please do share and if you really enjoyed it, please leave me a review.

It really helps the podcast.

All of the links are in the show notes and I look forward to seeing you next week on the Choosing Happy Podcast.