--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is better to live your own destiny…" description: "\"It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection\" — Anonymous" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg" --- # It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to… ![“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg) > “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Prefers authentic, imperfect living over flawless imitation of another’s life. **In simple terms:** Live authentically, even imperfectly. Key Takeaway Choose your own path. Themes authenticity individuality imperfection Mood inspirational reflective Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career choices - personal development - creative projects Key Concepts existentialism self‑actualization Questions to Reflect On - What does authenticity mean to you? - How can you embrace imperfection? A Different Perspective Perfectionism can be paralyzing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Holding back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holding-back/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life lessons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-lessons/) ## Related quotes > [The Bhagavad Gita—that ancient Indian Yogic text—says that it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/the-bhagavad-gita-that-ancient-indian-yogic-text-says-that-it-is/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [“Far better to live your own path imperfectly than to live another’s perfectly.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bhagavad-gita/far-better-to-live-your-own-path-imperfectly-than-to-live-another-s/) [Bhagavad Gita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bhagavad-gita/) > [The most important thing we can tell young people is not to be an imitation of somebody else. That their life is special. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-shriver/the-most-important-thing-we-can-tell-young-people-is-not-to-be-an/) [Maria Shriver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-shriver/) > [The concept of life and perfection is incompatible. BUT so is death and perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-concept-of-life-and-perfection-is-incompatible-but-so-is-death/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The Bhagavad Gita--that ancient Indian Yogic text--says that it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/the-bhagavad-gita-that-ancient-indian-yogic-text-says-that-it-is-2/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [“Everyone makes their own path, and I must make mine. The Bhagavad Gita - and ancient Indian Yogic text - says that it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/everyone-makes-their-own-path-and-i-must-make-mine-the-bhagavad-gita/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [Perfection is a relative term. Nonetheless, I'd rather be imperfectly perfect than being perfectly imperfect!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/perfection-is-a-relative-term-nonetheless-i-d-rather-be-imperfectly/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/who-am-i-to-judge-another-when-i-walk-imperfectly/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I think in the heart of every human being there burns an ember of hope that warmly entices us to believe everything will eventually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richelle-e-goodrich/i-think-in-the-heart-of-every-human-being-there-burns-an-ember-of/) [Richelle E. Goodrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richelle-e-goodrich/) > [The grace of God sets us free from a life of perfection, performing, and pretending.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tullian-tchividjian/the-grace-of-god-sets-us-free-from-a-life-of-perfection-performing/) [Tullian Tchividjian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tullian-tchividjian/) > [Failure is an integral part of life and that perfection is not of this world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arianna-huffington/failure-is-an-integral-part-of-life-and-that-perfection-is-not-of/) [Arianna Huffington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arianna-huffington/) > [The true purpose of life is the perfection of humanity through individual effort, under the guidance of God's inspiration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-o-mckay/the-true-purpose-of-life-is-the-perfection-of-humanity-through/) [David O. McKay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-o-mckay/) > [“Life is not about perfection. It's about persistence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natalie-wright/life-is-not-about-perfection-it-s-about-persistence/) [Natalie Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natalie-wright/) > [Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/now-is-our-chance-to-choose-the-right-side-god-is-holding-back-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/that-will-not-be-the-time-for-choosing-it-will-be-the-time-when-we/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Holding back quotes > [Being frank or straightforward doesn't only tells the truth, it also states the fact that you just lost your temper of holding back from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince/being-frank-or-straightforward-doesn-t-only-tells-the-truth-it-also/) [Vince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince/) > [In an age of interdependence, global citizenship - based on trust and sense of shared responsibility - is a crucial pillar of progress. At…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-annan/in-an-age-of-interdependence-global-citizenship-based-on-trust-and/) [Kofi Annan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-annan/) > [I tend to lose myself in the moment. I’m not very good at holding back. I don’t know how to do this without feeling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/florence-welch/i-tend-to-lose-myself-in-the-moment-i-m-not-very-good-at-holding-back/) [Florence Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/florence-welch/) > [She and Thomas had helped construct the Maze; at the same time she’d exerted a lot of effort to build a wall holding back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-dashner/she-and-thomas-had-helped-construct-the-maze-at-the-same-time-she-d/) [James Dashner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-dashner/) > [Thinking of holding back is blowing it more than pushing your hardest and falling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dane-reynolds/thinking-of-holding-back-is-blowing-it-more-than-pushing-your-hardest/) Dane Reynolds > [Rural communities in Africa, South Asia and Latin America are where the majority of hungry people are and the inequality that exists between women…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dionne-warwick/rural-communities-in-africa-south-asia-and-latin-america-are-where/) [Dionne Warwick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dionne-warwick/) > [The backwardness of our religious and social developments is undoubtedly holding back the development of the intellectual and political levels.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carroll-quigley/the-backwardness-of-our-religious-and-social-developments-is/) [Carroll Quigley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carroll-quigley/) > [I don't believe in sort of holding back, you know, life isn't a dress rehearsal!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-don-t-believe-in-sort-of-holding-back-you-know-life-isn-t-a-dress/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [Steadfastness, that is holding on; patience, that is holding back; expectancy, that is holding the face up; obedience, that is holding one's self in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-d-gordon/steadfastness-that-is-holding-on-patience-that-is-holding-back/) [S. D Gordon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-d-gordon/) > [You're the brightest thing I've ever seen, Kaylee. You're this beautiful ball of fire spitting sparks out at the world, burning fiercely, holding back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-vincent/you-re-the-brightest-thing-i-ve-ever-seen-kaylee-you-re-this/) [Rachel Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-vincent/) > [The idea of holding back certainly didn't come from Scripture.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-chan/the-idea-of-holding-back-certainly-didn-t-come-from-scripture/) [Francis Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-chan/) > [some people meet the way the sky meets the earth, inevitably, and there is no stopping or holding back their love. It exists in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-erdrich/some-people-meet-the-way-the-sky-meets-the-earth-inevitably-and-there/) [Louise Erdrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-erdrich/) > [Have you been holding back from a risky, costly course to which you know in your heart God has called you? Hold back no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-i-packer/have-you-been-holding-back-from-a-risky-costly-course-to-which-you/) [J. I. Packer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-i-packer/) > [Make something happen today, before you go home, before the end of the week. Launch that idea, post that post, run that ad, call…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seth-godin/make-something-happen-today-before-you-go-home-before-the-end-of-the/) [Seth Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seth-godin/) > [I prefer to regard a dessert as I would imagine the perfect woman: subtle, a little bittersweet, not blowsy and extrovert. Delicately made up,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/graham-kerr/i-prefer-to-regard-a-dessert-as-i-would-imagine-the-perfect-woman/) [Graham Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/graham-kerr/) [Browse all 90 Holding back quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holding-back/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anonymous" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-imperfectly-than-to-live-an/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Holding back" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-imperfectly-than-to-live-an/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f6/anonymous-1_holding-back_it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-im_2433748.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with…” — Anonymous", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Anonymous", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "It is better to live your...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-imperfectly-than-to-live-an/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-better-to-live-your-own-destiny-imperfectly-than-to-live-an/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```