When it comes to finances, embracing imperfection and vulnerability can lead to financial success. Sometimes, we aim to save every penny, invest with precision, and avoid debt at all costs. But what if I told you that embracing imperfections and being vulnerable can lead you to financial success? well, let’s have a dive.
Imperfection is saying it is okay to make mistakes with your finances, while vulnerability is understanding you do not have all the answers and seeking help when necessary.
While growing up, we once were curious, creative, and eager to learn new things as kids. Always willing to seek answers where we lack any. This is done without any cause for shame and just embracing our vulnerabilities as part of who we are.
We imagined endless possibilities and had zero mental friction when it came to what we could achieve albeit not knowing how. We knew exactly how much we could make and invest to achieve our childhood American dreams. So as grown-ups, what has changed? As adults, we live life differently. We project an image of perfection. We tell ourselves to have all the answers, be in control, and never show weaknesses.
Sometimes, because we are far from reality, we tend to ‘hide’ and avoid feedback and responses that would have gone on to shape our lives for good. You grow up to begin to learn the language of impossibilities and difficulties handed down to you from the environment, parents, teachers, friends, and generally the neighborhood.
During this time, you begin to borrow the language of the people surrounding you and mirror their thought patterns. Because you doubt yourself, you get terrified to share ideas, avoid taking risks, and impose artificial obstacles to your goals and dreams. And you know what, our brain hardly distinguishes between artificial and real phenomena and so we stand on our way to success.
We adopt what in essence will stop us from achieving our set goals and dreams. And finance is not an exception. As a grown-up, have you noticed how perfectionism can cause you to become overly focused on achieving a perfect outcome, leading to delays in decision-making, and reluctance to take risks and experiment with new ideas? This is exactly what the opposite of being vulnerable and embracing imperfection does to you.
HOW PERFECTION HINDERS OUR SUCCESS
The idea that you must be flawless to succeed is counterproductive. Perfectionism often leads to paralysis and fear of taking risks. It can prevent you from making mistakes that lead to learning and growth. This fear can result in missed opportunities and stagnation in your finances.
In a culture that often idolizes flawless achievements and seamless success, it’s easy to get caught up in the belief that financial triumph requires an impeccable record and absolute certainty. The reality is that striving for perfection can be more of a hindrance than a help. It creates unrealistic standards and can stifle your progress. Understanding that perfection is an unattainable ideal can free you to embrace the imperfect journey toward financial success.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY AND IMPERFECTION
To be successful, you have to allow yourself to be seen and this is no different when it comes to your finances. The pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of failure. We set unrealistic goals, beat ourselves up over mistakes, and struggle to maintain a flawless record. But the truth is, nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and it is time to embrace them.
By embracing imperfection we can break free from the cycle of guilt and shame surrounding financial mistakes, develop a growth mindset, focusing on progress rather than perfection. We build resilience, learning to bounce back from setbacks and failures and create a more realistic and achievable financial plan, tailored to our needs and goals
Vulnerability allows you to embrace progress rather than perfectionism. We evolve through struggles and our ability to embrace public scrutiny. It is about being open, honest, and authentic. According to the Havard Business Review, honesty about financial mistakes increases financial resilience by 50% and reduces financial anxiety by 30%. Being more open and honest about our financial struggles and mistakes is linked to greater financial well-being.
Perfectionism can also lead to burnout, as it is often impossible to achieve a perfect outcome. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection, and strive to achieve quality outcomes without sacrificing efficiency. By letting go of perfectionism, you can create an environment of growth that can help you reach your financial goals.
The truth is that projecting perfection is exhausting. It holds you back from taking bold actions that hold the keys to your financial breakthrough. To see real growth and success, here is how embracing vulnerability and imperfection can lead to your financial success:
- Decision-making and self-awarenessBeing vulnerable makes you realize that the ability to make decisions as early as possible when faced with major life concerns is more important than procrastination. The outcome of a decision is the feedback we learn from. We grow and improve by learning.
What motivates your finances? Are you aspiring for a better lifestyle, financial security, or leaving a legacy? When you understand your financial motivations, values, and goals, you become self-aware, and making better financial choices will be inevitable. Financial advisor, Ramit Sethi, also encourages vulnerability to identify and challenge limiting beliefs.
- Relationship and communication Being vulnerable allows us to build deeper connections with others on a similar financial journey. It creates a support network and gaining new insights. When we are vulnerable and open up about our feelings and experiences, we create a space for others to do the same.
This can lead to stronger and more meaningful relationships built around overcoming financial shame and guilt allowing you to address financial mistakes and moving forward. Honest discussions with financial partners like loved ones promote economic well-being.
Couples like Chip and Joanna Gains are a good example as they publicly discuss their financial journey to inspire open communication.
- Mistakes and failureVulnerability helps you confront and overcome shame and guilt, allowing you to address financial mistakes and move forward.
With each mistake and failure, being vulnerable allows us to see them in a different light. We develop this constructive inner voice that guides our light with resilience and continued effort until we see the desired result.
- Growth mindset When we are open and honest about our feelings, fears, and emotions, we can better understand our reactions to stress and difficult situations. In addition, it helps us take risks and try new approaches leading to innovation and growth.
This knowledge can help you with goal-setting, aligning with personal values and priorities. In addition, it increases the motivation for success, coping with stress and challenging situations, and recognizing when to take a break, set boundaries, take a step back, or seek help.
- Authenticity Although being vulnerable can be challenging and intimidating, it can also be incredibly rewarding as it allows you to be seen and heard. This attracts people who are genuinely interested in your cause and personality.Your authenticity breeds true support and guidance from true people providing access to valuable resources, advice, and mentorship.
- Feedback and criticismLet’s face it, nobody likes being criticized, especially when you don’t ask for it. To avoid this, ask your support group for honest feedback and take it constructively. You will become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses while showing that you are open to facing challenges. On top of all this, you signal positivity when you ask for feedback.
Conclusion
Embracing imperfections and vulnerability can lead to financial success by allowing us to, build a support network and gain new insight, take risks, learn from our mistakes, develop a growth mindset, and build resilience.
Sharing our struggles and asking for help also will go a long way in our financial journey because, in the end, it is our vulnerability that leads us to financial success.
Financial success is not about projecting perfection. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow. By embracing imperfection and vulnerability, you become receptive to valuable experiences and opportunities that can lead to a more fulfilling and successful financial journey.