Ep #49: Progress Over Perfection

Striving for perfection is all too common, especially for women. We tend to hold ourselves to a standard that can be impossible to achieve. This often leads to procrastination and self-criticism, making it difficult to move forward. Today, I’m talking about progress over perfection, and how embracing this mindset can change the way we work and live.

Perfectionism is hard to define, and even harder to attain. It makes us feel stuck when we fall short of the unfair expectations we have for ourselves. Our self-esteem erodes and we’re prevented from taking action to get what we really want. However, changing our way of thinking and accepting that we are all beautifully flawed has the power to lift us out of self-doubt.

In this episode, I discuss the pitfalls of perfectionism and the negative effects they have on our confidence and wellbeing – particularly as women in a male-dominated industry. When we second-guess our own abilities, we miss out on the opportunities that can take us to the next level or see us achieving the goals we’ve set for ourselves.

So how is the ideal of perfectionism impacting you? Is your fear of the messy middle holding you back from taking action? I believe that mistakes are the best way to learn, and that accepting our own imperfections sets us free to take more risks and step into creativity. This is how we see the power of growth at work in our lives and create the kind of momentum that propels us forward.

Letting go of perfectionism requires compassion, not only for ourselves but for those around us. By extending kindness, we create a more inclusive environment that allows us all to thrive.

Life is a journey to be enjoyed, and I encourage you to seek opportunities to experience it in full, whether or not things look perfect. My aim today is that you’ll be inspired to let go of fear, get moving and embrace the beauty of being human.