No one is perfect. When we hear this phrase, we often treat it like an admission of guilt or a reason to let someone off the hook. But in truth, we were not designed to be perfect, and our imperfections give purpose to our spiritual work.
We all fail and make mistakes or act in ways that we know we shouldn’t sometimes. We tend to think of our flaws as things that are “wrong” about us. We may try to conceal or deny them and often get very embarrassed when they are exposed. However, through recognizing and transforming the aspects of ourselves that are negative, we can reveal great Light in the world and allow tremendous blessings to flow into our lives.
Here are 3 tips to create an even better you:
1. Get to know yourself. Make a list of the top 3-5 things you need to work on.
Each one of us comes into this world with a whole suitcase of traits we need to work on, whether it be anger, selfishness, laziness, or anything in between. At the core, we are in this world to improve ourselves, which means we need clarity on what isn’t working.
To repair something, you have to first identify it as flawed. One of the most important first steps to take towards transformation is to ask yourself, “What do I need to correct? What is it about me that I want to make better?” Look within and see the parts that aren’t serving you. Make a list of the top 3-5 things you need to get better at.
2. Create a vision of who you want to become and know that it is possible to achieve.
It can be disappointing to see the parts of ourselves that we need to work on. We may think they define who we are and that it is impossible for us to change. When you make the list of things you want to change about yourself, it’s important to also make a list of who you ultimately want to become and to envision yourself as that person. Know that transformation is not only possible but a necessary part of our existence.
Without a vision of who you want to become and the knowledge that it is possible to achieve, it’s easy to get stuck in a place of sadness, guilt, or shame. You can shift a lot just by visualizing who you want to be and how you want to relate to others in the world.
3. Remember, you are not meant to be perfect. Find the lesson in each mistake and take steps to change your behavior in the future.
When you see the parts that you need to work on, don’t get discouraged. That’s where the real effort begins! We are all works in the making. That’s what life is: a process. You will likely find those important areas are much more difficult to transform than any other aspect of yourself, and that is because it is part of your life’s work. Some people may find it easy to share with the world and to do great things for humanity, for instance, but struggle greatly with their interpersonal relationships. We all have different areas that come easier or harder for us.
Work on transforming those parts of you into something that is powerful in a perfected way. This means fighting against your ego, practicing empathy and compassion, learning from your mistakes, and finding forgiveness for others and for yourself.
Every person is on a journey of transformation. We are perfectly imperfect by design. Flaws and mistakes are not meant to be hidden or avoided - discovering them and working to transform them is the path to more blessings, joy, and fulfillment. Be brave in looking at the areas you need to work on, make a plan for who you want to become, and start taking transformative steps to an even better you.
