I make a conscious effort not to say ‘perfect’ in training sessions with clients

Even if a set was perfect. I try to say instead, ‘nothing to improve there – let’s do it again!’ 

I’ll ask the client what they felt or focused on during the set that went well, so they can recreate their success. 

I don’t want to give the impression that perfection is positive. Chasing perfection in biology is a mirage. Maths and photoshop maybe, but not living things.

It suits capitalism if we think that perfection is attainable. We’re encouraged to compare ourselves, and find ourselves lacking, and feel bad.

A solution can then be offered – a purchase

We’ve got a fix for that. Buy this cream, this shaping outfit, this tea, this programme.

Perfection is like a destination, some place to arrive at. That just doesn’t match reality. Everything changes, constantly, every moment. We don’t exist in a vacuum, but in a shifting relationship with our surroundings and with time.

Perfection seekers are like the retired men down at the allotments who grimly nuke their regimented plots with weed-killer. Imperfection finds a way… and that’s ok. I found shield bugs sucking on my kitchen orchid’s leaves and got rid of them to the best of my ability. There’s no way I can eliminate them all – and why should that be the goal? There’s a mental freedom in embracing ‘good enough’. They’re back now, and I’ll get rid of them again. I still enjoy the beautiful flower.