If you could get a second chance at something, what would it be?
Growing up, I used to hear that opportunities come but once. Then again, I started hearing the God of a second chance. These statements kept me hooked and scared of making mistakes. I started living a highly organised life. The reason people always referred to me as a perfectionist, this personality caused me more harm than good.
This is because I want everything to be exactly right. I arranged my personal belongings such that I can walk around my room in the dark without hitting anything and yet pick up anything I need. Again, I hate it when anyone in my house moves things and doesn’t return them to their exact place. It irritates me and can get me ranting.
I have tried very hard to change this personality. My family, friends, and colleagues understand this part of me, but sometimes, they also complain about it. Some of them had advised me to learn to overlook things no matter how annoying they are, while some said it's not bad at all to be a perfectionist.
I recall that growing up, my immediate elder sister would take my belongings and keep them elsewhere after using. Once I notice that, I will insist that she return them to the exact place she took them. I have had the same issues with my subordinates who will take something from my table and leave it elsewhere. I always get pissed up by this attitude because they will make me keep looking for those things when I want to use them. This is frustrating.
Furthermore, my parents cautioned me several times while I was growing up to change that personality; unfortunately, it became a habit that could not be changed. I have been misunderstood and called names. Sometimes, I feel moody and would not like to relate to anyone, but being on my own,
Suddenly, I accepted my fate, began to love myself, and started doing the things that make me happy as a perfectionist. I will clearly tell you in the first instance to please remember to return the moved item to where you found it. I also decided to let go of this perception about this personality and used it as a strong point to grow and develop myself. I set clear boundaries, protected my mental being, and stayed true to myself without pretending to be who I am not. At the same time, I do not overstretch myself to please people's wrong perception of my personality.
So, if given a second chance, I would like to be the opposite of a perfectionist, that is, a good-enough person, somebody who can allow certain things to slip. Someone who may be flexible with decisions and things that matter to people. Someone comfortable with manageable outcomes that are not right.
Hmm, but would I have ever thrived in life with such a personality? Maybe, as a politician, yes.
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