Ken Pierce: Perfection is not flawless

PEI Psychologist Ken Pierce poses for a photo in office. Pierce believes we can achieve our goals when aligned with our values.  Yakosu Umana photo.

By Yakosu Umana

Jan. 13, 2020

When we make a new year’s resolution, most of us are being hard on ourselves because we think were imperfect, says a psychologist.

Ken Pierce is a human behaviour expert. He helps his clients using Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), which is short term therapy that helps people develop strategies for self-improvement.

He said our sense of perfection is wrong.

“The perception is that good is perfect, it’s not.

“Perfection is a balance of good and bad combined. It’s a fundamental law of nature, everything has two sides.”

Pierce says everything in life has two sides, balance is natural. Yakosu Umana photo

As we grow, we begin to compare ourselves and see what’s better in others, Pierce said.

One Holland College student feels making a resolution is unnecessary.

I feel people use a New Year’s resolution as an excuse to stall their goals, he said.

Austin Stewart studies Sports and Leisure management at the college. In 2017, He worked as an assistant trainer at 3^rdDegree Training gym in Summerside.

“I’ve worked at the gym through the New Year’s period. I see new faces, they’re there for a short time, and never see them again,” he said.

Instead of making a resolution, Stewart said he works on the same goals everyday 

“My advice is if you say it, stick with it.”

“I’m constantly working on myself, with grades, my physical and mental health.

Although Ken Pierce said making a resolution could be helpful.

But people only achieve their goals when they are aligned with things they care about. 

“It depends on your values. The trick is to know what your values are and tie them directly with what you want to achieve.

“If it’s something to do with health- you will die if you don’t lose 10 pounds in six months- you might be more motivated.”

Pierce illustrates the seven areas of life which we value. Yakosu Umana photo

Values give us motivation. It’s how humans work, he said. 

 “We are wired biologically to learn to survive in new situations, everyday.”