This is the very first post on http://www.thedailyimperfection.com. I have just asked WordPress to change the domain name to thedailyimperfections as each of us, for sure, “commits” more than one imperfection a day. I have chosen the title – whichever it will be in the end, the singular or plural – because I come from a culture where perfection and trying to do everything the right way, the correct way is given a very high value. In general, I consider it a virtue to try one’s best. But if you focus too much on perfection, you might loose the easiness and playfulness you need for trying. Some of the greatest inventions and achievements of humankind had their origins in ideas a lot of people considered crazy, impossible or outright stupid.

20 years ago, when I was having a job interview with McKinsey management consultants in the UK, I was asked what my strengths and weaknesses were. I mentioned that I was quite a perfectionist and that I considered that a weakness, but that it also had its positive side, i.e. that I would work my ass off to get things done and done the right way. Today, especially having experienced how my kids reacted to two different school systems so far – the very open and “learn from your mistakes”-based Dutch one and the so much more rigorous Austrian one – I have become a near enemy of perfection. First of all, what is perfect? And who defines it? Okay, I get that there is one single answer to the question of 2 plus 2. That there is only one capital of France and that there is a right and wrong when it comes to declinations in the German language. But for a whole range of other things that we learn and do in life, what is right or wrong is a question of perspective. Even more so, when we talk perfection.

So, this blog will be about the imperfections of life, about the importance of trying, the lessons of failing, the power of believing and of keeping on trying. The immense satisfaction that comes with achieving something, particularly when you came short before, but continued trying. And the joy we all feel when we create something. My personal creation in this blog will cover a range of subjects. It will for sure touch on the subjects of gender and equality, of parenthood, of living abroad (as an adult and a child, as my two boys are third-culture kids), and of society, culture, politics and economics. If you are looking for a sports blog – this is not the one to follow…

The main message this blog would like to convey is: Be yourself, be authentic. We all have our own personality. Enjoy your uniqueness and see it as a strength. Try to enjoy each day. Live imperfectly, and with delight!