Curated Imperfection...what it is and how to combat it

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Lois Lavrisa , One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Curated Imperfection..

Do you see celebrities, social influencers and the like do or say or show things that in essence say: “Hey, I’m really like everyone. See my messy hair? The pile of laundry? Do you see my belly hanging over the top of my jeans? My Cellulite ?…”

These celebrities and influencers are trying to demonstrate to everyone that although they might appear ‘perfect’ on media – they are also very ‘imperfect’ (therefore, more like everyone else, and thereby relatable in order to sell their movie, product…)

This is a trend termed ‘curated imperfection’ = showing off your socially acceptable and also profitable imperfections to try to seem relatable… carefully handpick certain ‘flaws’ that don’t accurately reflect reality.

According to writer, Elizabeth Baker, "When we are bombarded day after day with images of wildly successful social media influencers giving us a “behind the scenes” look at their lives, we begin to take those images as reality, and not the meticulously staged, perfectly timed unreality they actually are. "

“Also, these images tend to focus on aesthetic “messiness” {dirty dishes piled in the sink, no-makeup faces, children throwing tantrums} and not the actual, pervasive messiness … that no one wants to talk about- crippling anxiety, losing our temper and screaming at our kids, or a marriage hanging on by a thread, for example.”

“When we compare the two, it’s easy to fall into the shaming belief that our own messiness is far too much to admit to.”

There are ways we can filter these and pay attention to what is true and what is not (Much the same way I filter politics and sales talk).

What do I combat curated imperfection?

• With my emails, social media posts and instagram reels I do my best to show the real me. With my joys as well as real life struggles. The ups and downs and everything in between. The messy bits and the real bits. (Although, I lean toward optimism…. that’s just my personality:)

• I share what I am comfortable with (and try my best to honor and not include individuals who would not want their confidence or private life made public.)

• Although I’m not perfect in any way shape or form, I try my best to not place unnecessary pressure on constantly creating content. (you might, on occasion, see an email or two that is a rerun:)

• Often I take a media break and turn off my phone, TV, computer… and read a book. take a walk, have a nice conversation and/or meal with loved ones and friends.

• I carefully look at what media and influencers are putting out there, through my bullsh*t meter to determine what is “real real” and what is just curated imperfection masquerading as real real:)

Be the real one and only you,

Lois