You aren’t perfect, and neither is anyone else.
This is a big one! Those who seek perfection will never find it because it is that very need to seek it that keeps them from finding it. If we look to be perfect, nothing will satisfy us and when we think we have finally found it, we will find a flaw and look to make it more perfect.
Our teens struggle with this on so many levels. The need to perform at a certain level to ensure they get into the best schools, the need to look perfect in the eyes of others, the need to please mom and dad…….Need I go on!
It is so hard to teach your teens to work hard and do their best while trying to also send a clear message that being perfect is not a reality or an expectation of yours. Our teens see what goes on around them and they compare their own looks and accomplishments and create unrealistic expectations that they may never meet. This leads to tremendous anxiety and in some cases depression.
Helping them explore their owns strengths helps them build confidence and teaching them how to improve on those areas they are not strong in without expectations is key. Your teen will not be good at everything and the things they are good at, they share that talent with many of their peers.
It is vital to teach them the power in failure and that every failure leads to stronger character and the resiliency to adapt and get better at the very thing they are trying to achieve.
Helping them understand that the pursuit of perfection is unrealistic and damaging to their mindset but recognizing their growth despite some adversity is where their true power and ability to increase their confidence lies.
CREDIT TO MARK CHERNOFF FOR THESE LESSONS