Perfectionism Is a False Sense of Safety
It's easy to believe that perfectionism offers a sense of control.
If we can get everything just right, maybe then we'll feel safe and worthy. But perfectionism is rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. This mindset often leads business owners and executives to delay launching products, hesitate on pricing decisions, or avoid big opportunities because they're afraid of getting it wrong.
When we hold ourselves to impossible standards, we paralyze ourselves with the idea that we must get everything right. But here's the truth: perfection doesn't exist, and waiting for it before you act will only keep you from taking the next step toward growth.
I'm Not Perfect, and That's Okay
Here's a truth I've had to learn and embrace myself: I am not perfect, and I will never be. Neither are you. No CEO, entrepreneur, or sales leader is.
But that doesn't mean we aren't worthy of success or growth. It doesn't mean that we should make excuses or hide behind the idea of "that's just the way I am."
We are constantly evolving, and imperfection is part of that process. It's not about being "perfect" in everything we do—it's about making progress, learning, and growing through our experiences. When we acknowledge our imperfections, we free ourselves from the weight of unrealistic expectations and embrace who we truly are—unique, beautiful, and always in progress.
Don't Let Perfectionism Rob You of Your Strengths
Here's a crucial point: perfectionism robs the world of your strengths. Your strengths—whether in sales, leadership, or innovation—are what make you stand out. But when you focus on perfection, you end up hiding those strengths in an attempt to make everything flawless.
What if, instead of focusing on perfection, you focused on progress? What if you let yourself fail, learn, and grow through the process? By doing this, you allow your strengths to shine in a way that a perfect version of yourself never could.
What Is Perfectionism Costing You?
So, what is this need for perfection really costing you and even your team? Here are a few things to consider:
- Peace of Mind: Perfectionism often leads to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. You're never satisfied because nothing ever feels "good enough."
- Growth: When you hold yourself to impossible standards, you're too afraid to take risks. You're afraid of making mistakes, which are the very things that lead to growth and learning.
- Authenticity: Trying to be perfect often leads to putting on a mask, hiding your true self behind what you think others want to see. Embracing imperfection allows you to show up as your authentic self, flaws and all.
Embrace the Imperfect Journey
Perfectionism might feel comforting, but it's only holding you back. It's time to embrace imperfection and give yourself—and your team—permission to be beautifully, perfectly imperfect. You are worth the effort, and it's okay if things aren't perfect. What matters is that you're showing up, learning, and growing.
You were uniquely created with strengths and qualities that make you exactly who you are meant to be. Don't let perfectionism keep you from sharing those strengths with the world. Your imperfect journey is where true magic happens.
So, I ask you today: What is the need for perfection costing you? What could you achieve if you allowed yourself to be imperfect, take risks, and trust that progress, not perfection, is the goal?
Ready to ditch perfectionism and embrace your authentic self? Tune into our podcast, That Sh*t Doesn't Define You, where we talk about the power of imperfection and how to move forward with leaving labels from our past behind.
