No one is perfect, but that certainly doesn’t make it any easier to accept imperfections we face on a daily basis. As teachers especially we strive for perfection, and it can be a real bummer when we fall short. It is important to remember though that just because we aren’t perfect does not mean we can’t be happy.
In fact, the happiest teachers have learned to accept imperfections of their own and those of others. Instead of dwelling on what isn’t right in their classrooms and lives they celebrate what is! Many happy teachers share the same qualities when it comes to dealing with imperfections and you can too!
Accept Imperfections by Being Grateful
Accept Imperfections by Getting Perspective

Accept Imperfections and Use Them for Growth
Of course, as much as I would like to tell you that all of my imperfections were things that I just needed to let go of, that wouldn’t be true. There are in fact many areas where I am nowhere near perfect that I need to work on.
Instead of getting bogged down in the imperfection, try to think of it as an area of personal growth. Think about when you are asked about your weaknesses in an interview. Do you spout out something that would be detrimental, or do you use a weakness that can have a positive spin? I hope you do the latter otherwise we need to talk about interview skills next!
By thinking of personal imperfections as a chance for growth you are helping yourself. You can set goals that are achievable and then bask in the glory that is personal and professional development.
Laugh at Your Imperfections
Accept Imperfections by Practicing Positive Self Talk
Happy Teacher Change What Perfection Means to Them
For me, a perfect classroom was never about decor and everything being where it should be, but instead about engaged students who are excited to be there and learning. This means that I was able to let go of the overflowing recycling bin, the water all over the back counter, and the fact that our math stations never quite got picked up to my liking. Instead of viewing our classroom as a mess I was able to change my thinking to see all the learning that led to the overflowing recycling bin, the idea that students had remembered to wash their hands which led to the water on the counter, and my students’ excitement to complete math stations which left them a bit jumbled. This is the new perfect for me.
At the end of the day, we have to remind ourselves that as amazing as we are as teachers, we are still human and therefore fallible. No one is perfect, and while we can continue to strive for perfection it is important to remember that the definition of perfection is always changing.
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