STRONGER TOGETHER: When Did "Good" Become Not Enough?

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses how the relentless pursuit of perfection has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, especially during the festive season, and advocates for embracing “enoughness” and celebrating small victories as we move into the new year.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

Perfection has become a relentless pursuit, and in many ways, it has overtaken our cultural narrative. What was once a personal ambition has now morphed into a widespread societal expectation, infiltrating every facet of our lives.

Extremism in the quest for flawless outcomes—whether in our careers, appearances, or relationships—has gone mainstream. Now, more than ever, the bar for success seems impossibly high, and for many, it feels like "good enough" just isn’t enough anymore.

This pressure reaches a peak over the festive season, a time traditionally meant for rest, reflection, and connection. But today, the holidays have become another stage for perfectionism.

From idealised family gatherings to the pursuit of the perfect New Year’s resolution, the stakes seem higher than ever. The idea of starting fresh in the new year has become less about small, realistic changes and more about dramatic, immediate transformations.

It’s not enough to just improve; the expectation is that we must radically overhaul our lives in pursuit of an unattainable perfection.

Social pressures play a significant role in perpetuating this cycle. The expectation to have the perfect holiday experience is reinforced by media portrayals and societal norms. Advertisements and social media posts often depict idealised versions of the holidays, creating unrealistic benchmarks that many feel compelled to meet.

Whether it’s the perfect family photo, the ideal gift, or the flawless holiday dinner, the imagery of the "perfect" holiday season is omnipresent. This can lead to a sense of failure or inadequacy when reality inevitably falls short of these lofty ideals.

At the heart of this drive lies a deeper emotional current—insecurities, fears, and anxieties that often go unspoken. Perfectionism becomes a way to avoid facing vulnerability, a way to mask those feelings of self-doubt and fear of judgment.

When we constantly compare ourselves to idealised versions of others, as seen on social media or in advertising, the pressure to perform perfectly becomes all-consuming. These unrealistic standards leave little room for the quiet power of moderation or the acceptance of "good."

This obsession with perfection doesn’t just harm our mental health—it distorts our understanding of progress. Social media and consumer culture have taught us that success must be extreme, that even small victories are insignificant unless they can be showcased in grand, flawless displays.

And as we approach the new year, these expectations feel even more pressing. The idea that we must completely transform ourselves, our lives, and our relationships in a matter of days is not only exhausting—it’s damaging.

As we move into 2025, it’s important to recognise that "good enough" is not a failure. It’s an acknowledgment of our humanity, of the fact that growth, progress, and happiness don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.

Let’s make this year about letting go of extremism and instead embracing ‘enoughness’, celebrating moments of calm, and enjoying the small, everyday victories that truly define success.