By Gemma Francis
The average adult believes their life is 48 per cent perfect, a study has found.
Researchers found despite the stresses and strains of modern life the majority of us regularly find contentment in our work, relationships and at home.
According to a poll of 2,000 adults 45 per cent considered their family life to be almost perfect, while almost four in ten said there was ‘no need for improvement’ in their love life.
One in five even considered their work life to be ‘almost’ or ‘completely perfect’.
The way we look, however, doesn’t fill us with so much enjoyment, according to the stats.
Half said their appearance and looks were far from perfect, while 43 per cent weren’t at all happy with their financial situation.
It also emerged the average adult spends an hour and 40 minutes of every day striving for perfection by photo-shopping selfies, cleaning the house before guests arrive and applying miracle creams.
Furthermore seven in ten believe too much effort is put in to achieving perfection these days, with six in ten admit they don’t think they will ever have the perfect life they are striving for.
Overall the poll by bagel makers New York Bakery Co, found three quarters of us wish there was less emphasis on being perfect and more importance placed on being real and authentic.
Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “During the past twenty years a dangerous myth has been growing.
“It is one that confronts us every time we turn on the television, flick through a magazine or scroll through our social media.
“We exist in a world awash with perfection. Every day, Instagram is crammed with photo-shopped images of men and women who look more mannequin than human.
“More and more young people are starting to buy into the idea that perfection is everything.
“It is vital that we learn to turn the volume down, but this can only happen when we start balancing our exposure to these images of perfection with a more realistic and ultimately fun perspective of life.
“We need to teach the younger generation to be unique, care less about how other people are living their lives and concentrate more on how they live their own.”
Researchers also found 45 per cent admit they make their lives, or parts of it, appear more perfect than it really is.
One in five blame TV and film, celebrities and even their own friend’s social media images for the never-ending quest.
Four in ten admitted to cleaning the house before guests arrive to make their home look better than it usually does while 37 per cent have hit the gym on a mission to have the ideal body.
Others dream of a perfect love life, followed by family life and work, while almost four in ten also admit they are often striving for perfection when it comes to their appearance.
And more than one in 10 have thrown out a meal they have made and started again because it didn’t live up to expectations of how it should look.
Despite the quest for perfection, eight in 10 of those surveyed by OnePoll.com said they find it refreshing when they meet someone who is true to who they are.
And 77 per cent reckon we are all too preoccupied with achieving excellence.
Amy Page from New York Bakery Co. said: “Our research shows that audiences are being bombarded with images of perfection, from food to fashion and beyond.
“We think it’s time to challenge the norm by saying imperfection is perfection. Let’s be real and authentic.
“Let’s say it how it is and look below the surface into what matters. Heart and soul, taste, and refreshing honesty. Ignore the distractions, everyone loves a touch of the authentic.
“So, it’s time for a call to action. Throw out the wasted effort, say it how it is and let people love you for the real you, appreciate your genuine wisdom and outlook, and go with the flow.”
“That’s the spirit of our new marketing campaign, brought to you by Edna, the straight-talking woman who runs New York. We think it’s a breath of fresh air and we hope when people see her style, they will pick up a little of her vibe too.”
Top ten things people have done in their quest for perfection
1. Cleaned the house before guests come over to make it look spotless
2. Gone to the gym or exercise classes
3. Gone on holiday in a certain location
4. Applied filters to your photos
5. Fake tanned
6. Bought miracle face creams
7. Bought top of the range ingredients and food when making meals for others
8. Photo-shopped images
9. Took diet pills
10. Bought a new car and put it on finance
ENDS
