As I reflect upon my April 2007 article, "Aren't you—after all—perfection in progress?" I feel the need to share a little more on the topic of perfection. Actually, I must admit, this article was inspired by a heart full of life-altering circumstances that occurred, since that article in April. Because of those circumstances, I've come closer to understanding what perfection really means.

At the airport. Going to Cancun!

Me and Nat.

Rarely, does life give us one "big choice" to make, on our way to pursuing our dreams. Most of the transforming moments in life start as a chance meeting, a casual conversation, or an article in a magazine. Most of us already know this, and yet when it comes to pursuing our most important goals, some of us wait for that "big moment," that magical day when the stars are aligned, or when we perceive everything to be "just perfect," before we can proceed. For most of us, that means we'll never reach our dreams or have the life we want. This brings me to question, "What is your perception of perfection?"

After lunch, before the beach.

The further I move forward in life, the more I realize that perfection is truly in the eyes of the beholder. So before you judge something as being perfect or not—perfect timing, perfect way to start a life with someone, perfect opportunity to start a business—ask yourself, "Am I ready to commit, do whatever it takes to allow this challenge in my life to reveal its perfection to me?"

Me, Bruce and Nat.

Nat and me!

The reason I suggested for you to ask yourself this question is because circumstances in life aren't always what they seem. Just because a situation didn't start off looking like sunshine and lollipops doesn't mean it's not perfect, or a scenario didn't pan out the way you envisioned it in your mind, doesn't mean it was wrong to have happened. You see, "perfect" doesn't just happen—it isn't free. You have to work to get to perfection. You have to study to get perfect grades; you have to work to build a perfect business; you have to make time to nurture a perfect relationship. So when something doesn't start off looking perfect to you, or doesn't go your way, you can choose to see yourself as a victim, or you can choose to see yourself as a blessed individual, with yet another opportunity to challenge life to reveal to you a higher state of perfection.

Planning for Nat and Bruce's wedding in Cancun.

Day of wedding.

You may already know that the truest measure of a person is not in moments of comfort, but in moments of challenge and controversy. For the most part, you can all agree that it's easier to be pleasant and kind when you're feeling good, when things are going your way. Well, let me suggest that that state of being, acts as a resting period in your life. We all get moments of rest, to prepare us for more growth—more challenges, lessons, heartbreaks, victories—it's inevitable; so don't get too settled in that resting period as life works to help you grow wiser, stronger, and overall, become a better person.

Nat looked amazing!

Me and Nat.

When was the last time you heard someone say, "I'm strong and courageous today because I've been living in a safe place all my life," or "Because things have always gone my way, I'm now so much wiser." Really, when was the last time you heard someone say this?

You see, the true test of your being is when you're being challenged, feeling pressure, experiencing pain. This is how life stretches you to use the muscles you don't even know you have. Life can act like a drill sergeant at times, making you feel like you're going through some serious boot camp drills. As long as you're alive, you can choose to accept this and have fun with it, or you can complain, and act like a party pooper. The choice is yours! How do you deal with it? Do you stay calm and controlled? Do you react or do you become proactive? What mistakes have you made? How do you apply those lessons today to get out of messy situations? Do you think you can answer all these questions about yourself if you've been sitting comfortably, and never had any challenges to overcome?

Me and Bruce.

Me and Nat, again.

When times are good, it's easy to say with conviction, "I'm ready to share my life with someone, for better or for worse," or "I would inject every penny I have to make this project work, if I had to." So let's say you're sharing your life with someone, and you're both facing the worse of times. The project you invested in is at a roadblock, and needs all your funds to stay afloat. Will you complain, "This is bad timing!" or "Why is this happening now?" Life lessons don't usually arrive when you're ready and waiting. Their unexpected approach truly tests your commitment and stretches your ability to grow.

Cancun was beautiful.

We will be back!

Life will never stop testing you for your level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. Committing to your never-ending personal growth, learning from your mistakes, understanding yourself, wanting to better yourself, is what being perfect is all about. Just having the strength and courage to follow through with dignity, in moments of challenge or controversy...well, if that's not perfection, I don't know what is.