During the last week of January, the Strength in Numbers Club, supported by Providence Hospital, launched its annual Perfection Is an Illusion Campaign at Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Capo Valley high school campuses in South Orange County. This initiative aims to address the growing toll that unrealistic expectations are taking on students’ mental health by encouraging them to focus on progress rather than perfection.
As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how the pressure to do everything can weigh heavily on our kids. My own children, for example, wanted to excel in academics, sports, and social activities all at once. Over time, they realized that they couldn’t do it all and had to modify their expectations. They had to decide what was most important to them based on their personal values and choices. Other times, they were forced to meet the expectations placed on them by others. The trick, as they learned, is finding the balance—knowing when to say no and focusing on what truly matters.
Throughout the weeklong campaign, students received daily reminders of the importance of embracing progress over perfection. Messages during morning announcements and lunchtime activities encouraged students to reflect on how perfectionism might be holding them back. We hope students take away the understanding that behaviors like procrastinating on projects out of fear of imperfection can be overcome by embracing the idea that there’s no single path or measure of success—each person has the power to define it for themselves.
One activity, the Pledge Not to Be Perfect, invited students to commit to letting go of perfectionism and embracing their unique paths. Parents can also join in by signing the pledge alongside their children here. By taking this step together, families can reinforce the campaign’s powerful message: progress, not perfection, is what matters most.
Key Takeaway: Unrealistic expectations can take a significant toll on mental health. Rather than comparing yourself to others or striving to be 100% all the time, focus on doing your personal best given everything else going on. Practice self-compassion, set realistic goals, and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Progress always beats perfection.
Thank you for supporting the Perfection Is an Illusion Campaign and helping us create a healthier, more balanced environment for our students. Together, we can remind them that they are enough just as they are.