Personal Growth Through Imperfection: Lessons from the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Angela Schalow
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
As we come to the end of another year, it’s natural to pause and reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Maybe you fell short of a big goal, allowed life to slip too far out of balance, or made a decision you now regret. If so, let me remind you of this truth: there is value in all of it. There is value in the lessons you learn and in the person you are becoming.
One of the most powerful reminders of this came to me while studying the Leaning Tower of Pisa. What appears to be a flaw is actually a masterclass in personal growth through imperfection.
Personal Growth Through Imperfection: How Far Is Too Far Off Balance?
At its most extreme, the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilted at 5.5 degrees. That may not sound dramatic on a 90-degree scale, but it was enough to put the entire structure at risk of collapse. After years of careful restoration, the tower now leans at 3.9 degrees and is considered stable.
The lesson? Perfect balance is not the goal. Life will always have seasons of leaning. The problem comes when we lean so far that our foundation can no longer support us.
A strong, sustainable life requires attention to multiple areas—not just one. Consider these six pillars of well-being:
Spiritual
Physical
Relational
Personal
Professional
Financial
When one area is consistently overworked or ignored, imbalance follows. The goal is not perfection, but awareness—and making small, intentional adjustments before collapse becomes a risk.
Be Cautious When Correcting Imbalance
Here’s where the story of the tower becomes even more relevant. The Leaning Tower of Pisa began leaning before construction was complete. To “fix” the issue, builders made the shorter side taller. Unfortunately, this added weight and caused the tower to lean even more. The overcorrection made it impossible for the structure to ever be perfectly straight.
How often do we do the same thing in our own lives?
When something feels off professionally, the temptation may be to say yes to everything—more projects, more commitments, more responsibility—in hopes of fixing the problem. Instead, we simply add more weight.
When we feel physically depleted, we may swing to the other extreme with rigid routines or unrealistic expectations, leaving ourselves more exhausted than before.
Small, intentional changes create stability. Adding weight rarely does. Sustainable personal growth comes from thoughtful correction, not reactive overcorrection.
The Value of Our Flaws and Failures
Because the Leaning Tower of Pisa was built on sand and clay, it didn’t just lean—it adapted. Those same “flaws” allowed the structure to absorb the shock of four earthquakes. Over time, the tower was reinforced and strengthened, becoming more stable because of what once made it vulnerable.
The tower is not a perfect bell tower. Yet it is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Without its imperfections, it would be just another building. Instead, it has stood—leaning strong—for more than 800 years.
The same is true for you.
Your flaws have shaped your resilience. Your failures have refined your strength. Your imperfections are not disqualifiers—they are contributors. They are often the very reason you can withstand pressure, adapt through challenges, and connect deeply with others.
Embracing Imperfection for Sustainable Growth
Personal growth through imperfection is not about ignoring what’s broken. It’s about learning from it, reinforcing your foundation, and moving forward with intention.
As you step into the next season—whether a new year, a new goal, or a new chapter—give yourself permission to lean a little. Just don’t lean so far that you forget your well-being matters.
You are not meant to be perfect.
You are meant to be strong, stable, and uniquely you.
And the world needs exactly that version.
Turn Reflection Into Action: Claim Your Personal Growth Lesson
Personal growth through imperfection is not about ignoring what’s broken. It’s about learning from it, reinforcing your foundation, and moving forward with intention.
As you step into the next season—whether a new year, a new goal, or a new chapter—give yourself permission to lean a little. Just don’t lean so far that you forget your well-being matters.
Your lesson is ready for you. Take a moment to explore our personal growth lesson inspired by the Leaning Tower of Pisa and discover how small, intentional adjustments can create lasting stability and strength in your life.
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