Foreign investors have staged a strong comeback to Indian equities with a net investment of Rs 24,454 crore in the first week of December. After heavy selling in the past two months, the comeback is amid stabilising global conditions and expectations of potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts. With the latest inflow, FPI investments have reached Rs 9,435 crore in 2024 so far. Advertisement According to the data with the depositories, FPIs have made a net investment of Rs 24,454 crore till December 6. The foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled out a net Rs 21,612 crore in November and a massive Rs 94,017 crore in October – the worst monthly outflow on record. Interestingly, September had marked a nine-month high for FPI inflows, with a net investment of Rs 57,724 crore, highlighting the volatility in foreign investment trends. FPIs pulled out Rs 142 crore in the debt general limit and invested Rs 355 crore in the debt Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) during the period under review. In June, July, August, and September, they bought stocks worth Rs 26,565 crore, Rs 32,365 crore, Rs 7,320 crore, and Rs 57,724 crore, respectively. Amid the recent uptick in the IT sector performance, anticipations are high that the IT sector is poised to perform well and attract increased FII interest. Experts opined that the uncertainty over Chinese equities on the back of proposed tariffs by US and other several nations could have prompted FPIs to look back at Indian equities. AdvertisementST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The St. Petersburg City Council voted Thursday to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of Tropicana Field , with the goal of having the home of the Tampa Bay Rays ready for the 2026 season. The vote followed a decision earlier this week by the Pinellas County Commission to delay until December a vote on revenue bonds needed to finance a new, $1.3 billion Rays ballpark, a project that is in serious jeopardy according to Rays executives. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members, who were scheduled later Thursday to vote on their own bonds to pay their share of the new stadium. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said MLB wants to give the Rays and Tampa-area politicians time to figure out a path forward given the disruption caused by the hurricane. Assuming Tropicana Field is repaired, the Rays are obligated to play there for three more seasons. “We’re committed to the fans in Tampa Bay,” Manfred said at an owners meeting. “Given all that’s happened in that market, we’re focused on our franchise in Tampa Bay right now.” The vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The city previously voted to spend $6.5 million to prevent further damage to the unroofed Trop. Several council members said before the vote on the $23.7 million to fix the roof that the city is contractually obligated to do so. “I don’t see a way out of it. We have a contract that’s in place,” council member Gina Driscoll said. “We’re obligated to do it. We are going to fix the roof.” The council voted 4-3 to approve the roof repair. Members who opposed it said there wasn't enough clarify on numerous issues, including how much would be covered by the ballpark's insurance and what amount might be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They also noted that city residents who are struggling to repair their homes and businesses damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton are dismayed when they see so many taxpayer dollars going to baseball. “Why are we looking to expend so much money right away when there is so much uncertainty?” council member Richie Floyd said. The new Rays ballpark — now likely to open in 2029, if at all — is part of a larger urban renovation project known as the Historic Gas Plant District, which refers to a predominantly Black neighborhood that was forced out to make way for construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway spur. The broader $6.5 billion project would transform an 86-acre (34-hectare) tract in the city’s downtown, with plans in the coming years for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail space. There’s the promise of thousands of jobs as well. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, a prime mover behind the overall project, said it's not time to give up. “We believe there is a path forward to success,” the mayor said. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb3 AI Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Rest of the Decade
NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global strategy consulting market size is estimated to grow by USD 121.2 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 23.3% during the forecast period. Rising need for improved customer digital experience is driving market growth, with a trend towards consulting firm selection process. However, increased risks related to data security and privacy poses a challenge. Key market players include A.T. Kearney Inc., Accenture Plc, Bain and Co. Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp., Boston Consulting Group Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, CGI Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Ernst and Young Global Ltd., Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., KPMG International Ltd., Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc., McKinsey and Co., Oracle Corp., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Roland Berger Holding GmbH, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and The Hackett Group Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered End-user (Large enterprises and SMEs), Type (Business strategy consulting, Operations consulting, Investment consulting, and Technology consulting), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled A.T. Kearney Inc., Accenture Plc, Bain and Co. Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp., Boston Consulting Group Inc., Capgemini Service SAS, CGI Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., Ernst and Young Global Ltd., Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., KPMG International Ltd., Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc., McKinsey and Co., Oracle Corp., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Roland Berger Holding GmbH, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and The Hackett Group Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The strategy consulting market is thriving with trends like management consulting, staff optimization, and corporate sustainability. Consulting firms provide expert advice on digital business models, digital strategy, business model innovation, and digital transformation. SaaS, intelligent automation, artificial intelligence, IoT, Blockchain, and disruptive technologies are shaping the future of professional services. Security concerns are a major focus, including data security, data breaches, and cyber security regulations. Healthcare, ecommerce, and customer purchasing patterns are driving innovation. Strategy consulting services offer domain expertise in areas like organizational strategy, economic policy, IT and telecommunication, and customer relationship management. Risk management is crucial, with risk identification and assessment being key components. Strategy consultants help large enterprises make high-level decisions, develop operational strategies, and leverage digital channels for brand experience. Consultants bring valuable insights to startup projects and offer assurance technology platforms and digital transaction management solutions. Strategy consulting firms face new challenges in the market as customers shift towards online research for selecting consultants. With the availability of fast and cost-effective Internet databases, clients can easily identify subject-matter experts (SMEs) based on their specific requirements. This trend eliminates the traditional reliance on referrals and hiring based on domain expertise. Even well-established firms with long-standing reputations can be overshadowed by smaller businesses offering specialized knowledge. The consulting industry continues to evolve, requiring firms to adapt to this digital transformation to remain competitive. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This strategy consulting market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Large enterprises- The large enterprises segment is a significant part of the global strategy consulting market. Companies like McKinsey, Bain and Company, A.T. Kearney, and PricewaterhouseCoopers provide strategy formulation assistance to large enterprises. Strategy consulting offers large businesses a fresh perspective, innovative methods, and a competitive edge. These consulting firms help create sustainable competitive advantage and profitability through forward-looking business strategies. They build alignment within organizations and offer industry-specific solutions for strategic challenges, including market assessment, scenario planning, strategic planning process design, and alliance management. The availability of these services for large enterprises contributes to the growth of this segment. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Strategy consulting is a specialized area of management consulting that focuses on helping businesses make high-level decisions and develop corporate strategies. In today's rapidly changing business landscape, strategy consulting services are more crucial than ever. Consultants provide expert advice on various aspects of business operations, including staff optimization, corporate sustainability, digital business models, and customer relationship management. As businesses increasingly embrace ecommerce and digital channels, strategy consultants play a vital role in helping them adapt to disruptive technologies and automation. They help identify risks, such as data security breaches and cyber security regulations, and provide solutions to mitigate them. Moreover, strategy consultants bring domain expertise and a deep understanding of customer purchasing patterns to the table. They help businesses optimize their operations, develop operational strategies, and enhance brand experience through cloud-based marketing automation and other digital means. In the era of digital transformation, strategy consulting is essential for businesses looking to stay competitive and thrive in an ever-evolving market. Whether it's navigating complex security concerns or implementing innovative operational strategies, strategy consultants are the trusted advisors businesses turn to for guidance. Market Research Overview Strategy consulting is a specialized area of management consulting that focuses on helping organizations make high-level decisions and develop long-term plans for achieving their business objectives. This can include staff optimization, corporate sustainability, digital business models, and business model innovation. In today's digital age, digital strategy, digital transformation, and the adoption of disruptive technologies such as SaaS, intelligent automation, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and digital transaction management are key areas of focus. Consulting firms provide expert advice and domain expertise to large enterprises and startup projects, assisting with risk management, assurance technology platforms, and professional services. Digital channels, customer purchasing patterns, and ecommerce are also important areas of consideration. Security concerns, including data security, cyber security regulations, and risk identification, are increasingly crucial in the digital landscape. Organizational strategy, economic policy, and IT and telecommunication are additional areas of expertise. Strategy consultants help clients navigate the complexities of digital transformation, providing guidance on operational strategies, brand experience, and information security. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategy-consulting-market-to-expand-by-usd-121-2-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-demand-for-enhanced-digital-customer-experience-ai-transforming-the-market---technavio-302313361.html SOURCE TechnavioSyria's Assad: the president who led a bloody crackdown
Tetairoa McMillan, one of the best wide receivers in Arizona history, will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on social media on Thursday. Projected as a top-10 draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan finished his illustrious career at Arizona with 3,423 receiving yards, breaking the mark set by Bobby Wade (3,351). In three seasons, the Hawaii native also posted the fourth-most catches (213) and third-most touchdowns (26) in school history. "Wildcat Nation, this journey has been everything I dreamed of and more," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "From the moment I committed to the University of Arizona, to every second spent wearing that Arizona jersey ... it's been an absolute honor. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams. ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the best fans in the country, I appreciate you for all of the love and support you have given me these last 3 years. I will always be a Wildcat." In 2024, McMillan totaled 84 grabs (ninth in Division I) for 1,319 yards (third in Division I) and eight touchdowns for the 4-8 Wildcats. He also ranked third in Division I with 109.9 receiving yards per game. McMillan is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. --Field Level MediaWest Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga in overtimeNearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. Nearly three-quarters said they visit YouTube every day. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. This small decline could be due to pandemic-era restrictions easing up and kids having more time to see friends in person, but it's not enough to be truly meaningful . X saw the biggest decline among teenage users. Only 17% of teenagers said they use X, down from 23% in 2022, the year Elon Musk bought the platform. Reddit held steady at 14%. About 6% of teenagers said they use Threads, Meta's answer to X that launched in 2023. The report comes as countries around the world are grappling with how to handle the effects of social media on young people's well-being. Australia recently passed a law banning kids under 16 from social networks, though it's unclear how it will be able to enforce the age limit — and whether it will come with unintended consequences such as isolating vulnerable kids from their peers. Meta's messaging service WhatsApp was a rare exception in that it saw the number of teenage users increase, to 23% from 17% in 2022. Pew also asked kids how often they use various online platforms. Small but significant numbers said they are on them “almost constantly.” For YouTube, 15% reported constant use, for TikTok, 16% and for Snapchat, 13%. As in previous surveys, girls were more likely to use TikTok almost constantly while boys gravitated to YouTube. There was no meaningful gender difference in the use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Roughly a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens said they visit TikTok almost constantly, compared with just 8% of white teenagers. The report was based on a survey of 1,391 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024.
Editor’s note: The Social Security Administration previously warned users that accounts not connected to Login.gov would be retired starting in September 2024. However, as of Dec. 12 2024, Social Security recipients still have the ability to use their old login methods to access my Social Security. SSA told VERIFY: “We are currently in the transition process and our current goal is to notify the public about these upcoming changes, therefore we have not set a final deadline for legacy accounts to transition to a Login.gov account.” In an update to the frequently asked questions page on Dec. 12, SSA addressed concerns the process would affect payments, saying: “Your Social Security benefits and Medicare premium deduction are not affected by the transition. While we strongly encourage you to transition to or create a Login.gov or ID.me account to access your personal my Social Security account, it is optional.” The story continues as originally published below. The Social Security Administration has an online system, my Social Security , where people can log on and see information about their Social Security cards, applications or benefits. VERIFY readers Mary and Joan reached out to ask if notifications they received about setting up an account with a different website, Login.gov, to access their Social Security information online were real and whether it’s safe to create an account. THE QUESTION Is it safe to use Login.gov to access online Social Security accounts? THE SOURCES Social Security Administration AARP THE ANSWER Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access online Social Security accounts. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter! WHAT WE FOUND Login.gov is a legitimate website run by the federal government to authenticate the identity of online account holders. Users who aren’t using it or another government-approved authenticator will be required to do so in the coming months. The Social Security Administration is making updates to its online account system, according to a July 12 press release published by the agency. Starting in September , Social Security recipients will be required to use verification tools Login.gov or ID.me in order to access Social Security information online. “The agency is making the changes to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services,” the Social Security Administration says . The Social Security Administration has an update regarding the change pinned to the top of its website, ssa.gov . The email notice VERIFY reader Mary sent to us came from subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov , a legitimate Social Security email address, according to the administration’s website . A pop up on Login.gov also confirms the website is an “official website of the United States government.” The .gov domain is also specifically reserved for government agencies. The other option for authentication, ID.me, is also legitimate. The company has partnered with 16 federal agencies to facilitate a login service “that meets the U.S. government's online identity proofing and authentication requirements,” the Social Security administration says. RELATED: No, Project 2025 doesn’t propose eliminating Social Security benefits Both provide users the ability to use just one username and password across multiple websites with two-factor authentication. The big difference between the two is that Login.gov is operated and run by the government, while ID.me is a third-party login system that can be used for government agencies, as well as non-government businesses. The Social Security Administration recommends ID.me for people living outside the United States. The systems offer additional protection from scammers who may “obtain your Social Security number and other personal information phishing, data breaches or other means may be able to go online and set up a My Social Security account in your name,” AARP says. Users already have the option to log in to their my Social Security accounts using Login.gov or ID.me, and people who have previously set up accounts through one of the authentication sites won’t need to take any action. Users who created my Social Security accounts before Sept. 18, 2021, and who have not created a login on one of the new authentication websites have just a few more months before their account is phased out. The Social Security Administration says “over five million of these account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov.” “Starting September 2024, these accounts will be retired,” the my Social Security login page says . For users who do not currently use Login.gov, switching over an account can be done when logging into my Social Security. After logging in on the my Social Security website with their username and password as usual, users with soon-to-be outdated accounts will be given an option to transfer over to the Login.gov system. They will then need to set up a second authentication method. Once the user links their account, a confirmation message will be shown, and Login.gov can be used to sign in to my Social Security in the future. The Social Security Administration recommends switching to a Login.gov account as soon as possible. The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808
‘Worst goal I’ve seen us concede’ – moment Celtic ace Cameron Carter-Vickers gives Brugge the lead with huge blunderMorgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.
By Jamie McGeever (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets. Asian markets are set to end the week on the defensive, pressured by rising U.S. bond yields and a firmer dollar, with investors ready to reduce risk exposure as they ponder the cross-currents sweeping through the emerging world. China's latest pledges - to widen the budget deficit, issue more debt and loosen monetary policy - have generally been welcomed, but Brazil's surprisingly aggressive interest rate hike and promise of more to come has had a more mixed impact. Chinese and Hong Kong stocks bounced strongly on Thursday, and barring a fall of 1.4% or more on Friday, blue chip Chinese stocks will register their third weekly rise in a row, a winning streak not seen since May. The yuan fell on the stimulus news, as expected, but not by much. Indeed, going into Friday's session, the onshore yuan is set to break a remarkable run of 10 consecutive weekly declines. Even less surprising, perhaps, was another leg lower in Chinese bond yields. The 10-year yield is at record lows and is on course for its biggest weekly fall since 2020. Wall Street understandably took a breather on Thursday after the previous day's somewhat surprising surge. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% and is poised for a modest fall on the week, and the Nasdaq backed off Wednesday's record high above 20,000. It's still on course for its fourth consecutive weekly rise though, and remarkably, it has declined in only two weeks out of the last 14. The AI-driven bull run in U.S. tech shows every sign of powering on into the year end with Hong Kong's benchmark tech index is up 3% for the week. The wider policy and market sentiment thermometer is also sending mixed signals. The Swiss National Bank delivered a jumbo rate cut on Thursday, bringing the zero bound into view and floating the possibility of negative rates, if they are needed. The European Central Bank cut rates by a more modest 25 basis points, as expected, but was more cautious in its guidance. And hot U.S. producer price inflation pushed up Treasury yields, while punchy jobless claims data stoked concern about the labor market. All in all, a very mixed bag, and investors may well be relieved that the weekend is near. Asia's economic calendar on Friday is light. The two main indicators are India's wholesale inflation for November, which is expected to ease a bit to 2.2% on an annual basis from 2.36% in October, and Japan's fourth quarter Tankan survey of business sentiment. The Australian dollar and Philippine peso could move on scheduled speeches from RBA Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter and Philippine central bank governor Eli Remolona, respectively. Here are key developments that could provide more direction to markets on Friday: - Japan Tankan survey (Q4) - India wholesale inflation (November) - New Zealand manufacturing PMI (November) (Reporting by Jamie McGeever; editing by Bill Berkrot)
Debenhams drops £60 chic makeup box to £16 that'd look special in any bedroomThe main takeaway from the expression ‘every rose has its thorns’ is that everybody and everything, even something as beautiful and desired as a rose, has imperfections and struggles. — Photo by Pinkinesss / pexels.com WHAT is meant by ‘every rose has its thorns’? And no, I am not referring to the song by the rock band, ‘Poison’. The main takeaway from this expression is that everybody and everything, even something as beautiful and desired as a rose, has imperfections and struggles – the thorns symbolise the challenges and misfortunes in life. Everyone, including you and I, has flaws. Being human comes naturally with this. It is impossible to live a life devoid of mistakes and shortcomings. “No one is perfect.” “It is impossible to achieve perfection.” These two sayings make it evident that it is useless to pursue perfection in performances or appearances as it is unattainable. Yet, they are also often misinterpreted, and occasionally they are terribly misconstrued and misused. These phrases are intended to simply explain the existence of flaws that are natural or over which we have little control, but ironically, they are sometimes used to shield the current self from legitimate responsibility and blame, or as a means of cover-up. This makes it impossible to avoid criticism and accountability, as well as the humility and hard work that come with becoming a better person. Saying ‘nobody’s perfect’ is far easier than saying ‘I’m sorry for what I did; I take full responsibility; I’ll be better next time’. You could say the former after knowing you have hurt or annoyed someone, but that does not mean they were expecting too much (perfection) from you. Their feelings are fairly reasonable. It is acceptable for them to tell you what you did to them and how it affected them. We all have boundaries that should be respected and safeguarded, after all, and maintaining boundaries does not equate to demanding perfection. If we discount problems or issues as totally ‘human’ since ‘no one is perfect’, it transfers the guilt to our humanity. While it is true that no one is flawless, not everyone attacks people, takes things from others, or commits other types of mistakes. Those are personal decisions that cannot be attributed to anything else. Rather than trying too hard to defend or make excuses, it is wiser to genuinely apologise and work to change when your actions have hurt someone. This is because, despite the fact that none of us are perfect, we all have the potential to get better. The word ‘perfect’ refers to an idealised objective that is unachievable and constantly shifting. The word ‘potential’, on the other hand, is more empowering. It makes our unrealised capabilities clear to us and drives us to progress. Life has taught me that progress should always take priority over perfection since, in fact, there is always room for growth and new standards are always being set. After all, it is more important to enjoy the journey than just the final destination. I believe that fear of failure is another factor that contributes to perfectionism, as I am a perfectionist myself. A person with this ego-based fear is unable to try new things and take chances because they are terrified of seeming flawed and bad. I have been gradually starting to accept the notion that it is ‘okay’ to have numerous thorns, which consequently opens up a whole new world of experiences and boundless opportunities. Looking back, despite the constant discontent that I whine about, it is because of this realisation that I am where I am and have what I have today – my support system, my appearance, my responsibilities, the places I visited, and the good deeds I have been able to contribute to. For instance, I have heard comments about how timid and socially awkward I am with a lot of people for much of my life, and those comments honestly made me feel so judged. When I hear those comments now, I don’t feel much. Why? What has changed? In fact, those comments keep coming back to me, but I have come to the conclusion that accepting who you are makes life much simpler – this is the relationship between progress and perfection that I was talking about. As we approach the year’s last month, many of us take account of the last 12 months and reflect on our accomplishments – and, more often, our shortcomings and things that were not perfect. We also often make resolutions and goals for the upcoming year at this time. For perfectionists, this can be dreadful. We may focus less on the progress we made and more on what was missing between our goals and what we actually accomplished. But guess what? Something is better than nothing, and done is better than perfect, since progress is the more important objective here. Because nothing is perfect, you will also never be perfect. This is great news since it also means you will always have the potential to become a better person than you were a day before. Most people consider thorns to be dangerous since they cut and scratch us. However, every mark tells a story, a victory, and an indication of a person’s strength. Since I just finished watching ‘Arcane Season 2’, one of the best series I have seen this year, I will close my piece with one of the most memorable quotes from one of the characters: “There is no prize in perfection. Only an end to pursuit.” In Viktor’s ‘Glorious Evolution’, human suffering was eliminated, but there was also no longer striving and no triumph over hardship. Let this quote serve as a reminder to us of the true essence of being human. * The writer is a psychology graduate who enjoys sharing about how the human mind views the world. For feedback, email to [email protected] .
