what is perfection?

I’ll never forget my first group fitness class as a personal trainer.

I was a last-minute substitute, thinking I was covering a senior Pilates class. I had spent hours planning every detail, from warm-ups to music cues. My aim was perfection, until I walked in and my coworker asked, “Ready to teach the cardio circuit?”

Suddenly, I was winging it, making up exercises on the spot.

I wasn’t Pilates certified, and I had never taught a class in my life.

Halfway through, I tripped over a weight. The music cut out. My face went bright red. And yet everyone laughed with me, not at me. I started compensating by chatting with participants, asking which fruits were in season, telling them I had seen Metallica in concert, joking about the'50s songs we were playing because apparently I’m an old soul.

By the end of class, people were asking when I would have my own group fitness class.

That day, I realized something crucial.

Perfection isn’t about never making mistakes. Perfection is about being real and connecting. That is when you make people remember you.

Savor the compliments you are conditioned to shrug off.

Perfection shows up when you make people feel something.

SNL thrives on improv. Viral TikToks blow up when someone trips or flubs a line. Comedy shows are messy, unpredictable, and daring, saying what others won’t.

People are drawn to authenticity.

“You’re a perfect fit.” College interviews, auditions, jobs, it's not about being flawless. It’s never about technical skill; it’s about the energy you bring to the table and the impact you make.

You belong. You make people laugh, think, and feel alive. You’re perfect. Relish in it.

(blog by TCU chxx who lift president: Mia-Margaret wissinger)