Progress Over Perfect: Lessons From a Recovering Perfectionist

I Used to Think Perfection Was My Strength...

About eight years ago, I sat in a leadership retreat proudly listing perfectionism as one of my greatest strengths. I remember saying it with confidence, expecting nods of approval.

Instead, the facilitator smiled gently and said, “What if that strength is also what’s holding you back?”

That moment stopped me in my tracks. I had never considered that my obsession with getting everything just right could actually be the thing keeping me from moving forward. But as I started digging deeper, I realized - perfectionism wasn’t my superpower. It was my stall button.

The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can look like excellence, drive, and ambition on the surface. But underneath, it’s often fear in disguise; fear of judgment, failure, or not being good enough.

For me, it looked like waiting for the perfect day, the perfect timing, the perfect plan. I convinced myself I just needed one more class, one more certification, one more tool before I could start.

But in reality, I was waiting for something that would never come.

I was waiting for certainty in a world that rewards courage.

And all that waiting turned into procrastination, frustration, and stagnation. My dreams were still sitting on the shelf because I was too busy trying to make them flawless before I even began.

The Turning Point: Choosing Progress

At some point, I just got tired of my own delays. So, I started doing.

I stopped waiting for perfect conditions and started taking imperfect action. I launched projects, offered services, and shared ideas that were still in progress.

And you know what? It was exhilarating.

Not everything was perfect; but it was done. And that feeling of completion, of movement, of growth? It lit a fire in me that perfection never could.

Because perfection might look beautiful, but progress feels alive.

How to Break Free From Perfectionism

If you see yourself in my story, here’s what helped me, and what might help you too:

1. Start Small, but Start. That idea you’ve been overthinking? Do a tiny version of it today. Post it, pitch it, test it. Just begin.

2. Set Time Limits. Give yourself deadlines that force you to finish, not just polish. Progress loves boundaries.

3. Celebrate Progress. Every small win counts. Keep a “Done List” or “Win Journal” to remind yourself how far you’ve come.

4. Talk Yourself Off the Ledge. I still have moments where I catch myself waiting for perfect. In those moments, I remind myself: “Progress fuels my soul; perfection only feeds my fear.”

5. Redefine Success. Success isn’t flawless. It’s forward motion. Growth. Courage. The willingness to try again tomorrow.

   
   

The Freedom in Imperfection

When I finally let go of being perfect, I gained something far greater; peace.

I learned to celebrate the done over the dreamed, the imperfect over the impossible. Perfection used to be my cage, but progress became my wings.

Now, every time I hit “publish,” start a new project, or take a bold step, I remind myself: It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Because the power of progress fuels the soul and moves you closer to your dreams.

Your Turn

Star, what’s one thing you’ve been putting off until it’s perfect?

Start it today. Send the email. Create the post. Launch the offer. You don’t need perfect conditions, just the courage to begin.

Progress is your permission slip to shine. 🫶🏾

If you’re ready to let go of overthinking, you’ll love this post on Mindfulness Hacks for Decision Fatigue.”