The Cracked Pot

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The Cracked Pot

Too many people struggle with being perfectionists, needing every little detail to be flawless in order to feel right with the world.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a perfectionist mindset or been overly critical of your weaknesses, consider the story of the Cracked Pot, which I first learned from Sahil Bloom.

There was an old man in a village in India. Every morning, he went down to the river, filled two pots, and carried them home with a stick across his back.

But one of the pots had a small crack, and water leaked out on the walk home.

By the time they reached the house, the cracked pot was half empty. Ashamed of its flaws, it finally spoke up: “I’m sorry I can’t fulfill my responsibilities as well as the other pot.”

The old man smiled. “On the walk home today, don’t hang your head in shame. Look up at the side of the path.”

When the cracked pot did, it couldn’t believe its eyes: a beautiful row of flowers lined the path on its side.

“You see,” the old man said, “I’ve always known about your cracks. That’s why I planted flower seeds along your side of the path. Each day, you watered them. Now I pick these flowers to share with the entire village.”

Instead of looking at your imperfections as something that holds you back, embrace them. Being perfect isn’t required; purpose is.

Your cracks may give strength to others who are struggling. Your willingness to accept what isn’t perfect may transform your relationships with yourself and others. Maybe the cracks in your pot are there for a reason. It may be time to look at them differently.

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