Young adults today are growing up in a world that constantly demands more; more achievements, more likes, more perfection. From academic pressure to the endless comparison game on social media, it feels like we’re running a race without a finish line. The result? Anxiety, burnout, and a generation that is exhausted before even stepping fully into adulthood.

The truth is, perfection is a myth. No one’s life is as flawless as it appears online, and chasing that illusion only leads to disappointment. Yet society tells us we must be ‘the best’: the top student, the most employable graduate, the one with the aesthetic lifestyle. This toxic standard leaves little room for mistakes, growth, or simply being human.

But here’s the reality young adults need to embrace: imperfection is not failure, it’s freedom. It’s in the setbacks that we learn resilience. It’s in the awkward attempts that we discover passions. It’s in the messy parts of life that we grow into authentic versions of ourselves.

Instead of asking, “Am I perfect enough?” we should be asking, “Am I genuine? Am I moving forward? Am I learning?” These are the questions that truly matter. Progress, not perfection, should be the goal.

The pressure won’t disappear overnight, but we can push back. We can celebrate small wins, support each other without judgement, and remind ourselves that success is not a straight line. Young adulthood should not be about proving worth; it should be about building it through real experiences, mistakes, and growth.

Let’s step off the hamster wheel of perfection. The world doesn’t need perfect young adults; it needs brave, curious, and authentic ones.

Sincerely,

Nuskiya Nasar Aakhir,

Editor, The Sunday Morning Happinez