Embracing Imperfection and Prioritizing Self-Care in Leadership and Life

After returning from Italy, I’ve had the chance to reflect more deeply on my time there. As I shared in my first post, the Women Leading: ITALY program was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of insightful teachings, breathtaking surroundings, and the powerful connections made with other talented women truly exceeded my expectations. While the professional lessons I brought home are invaluable, I’ve realized that some of the most impactful takeaways have more to do with personal growth—particularly around the topic of self-compassion.

During the program, we explored the idea of showing compassion not just to others but to ourselves, and this is where I had some powerful revelations. As someone who has always prided herself on being a supporter of others, this hit close to home. My Enneagram type—2, also known as the Considerate Helper—resonates deeply with my desire to support and care for others. I’m naturally wired to prioritize the well-being of those around me, whether in my family, friendships, or professional life.

But here’s the thing: while being a considerate helper is at the core of who I am, I’ve come to realize that my compassion doesn’t always extend to myself. If I were to rate my self-compassion on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being a high degree of self-kindness), I’d have to admit that I’m not as far along as I’d like to be. There are parts of my life where I fully embody self-compassion, but there are also many areas where I’m my harshest critic—constantly striving for an unattainable level of perfection.

Even though I know that perfect doesn’t exist, there’s still a part of me that continues to push toward it. This often leads to self-criticism, especially in my work. I find myself driven to ensure everything I do is flawless, but I’m learning that this mindset isn’t sustainable or healthy. It’s time to start thinking about how I can welcome more self-compassion into my life, not just in how I show up for others but also in how I show up for myself.

Another key reflection from my time in Italy is about how I embody the Helper role in my professional work. It’s no surprise that I feel deeply connected to being of service to others—after all, my business is focused on making the world a better, more inclusive place. However, what I’ve come to realize is that while I pour my energy into helping others, I often neglect my own needs.

This doesn’t mean I completely ignore self-care; I do take time to recharge, build my strength, and support my well-being. But what struck me is that I don’t always acknowledge these acts of self-care as being for me. Sometimes, they feel like obligations or tasks to check off a list, rather than intentional acts of kindness toward myself. I’m starting to see that it’s not just about doing these things—it’s about recognizing their value and being present enough to appreciate that I’m caring for myself.

This shift in mindset is crucial because, as I’ve learned, self-compassion isn’t about getting it “perfect” every day. It’s about showing up for yourself, in big ways and small, and understanding that caring for yourself can look different day to day. The way I move my body, the time I take to rest, the moments of stillness—all of these are part of my self-care practice, and I need to start seeing them as such. I want to embrace the diversity of ways I can support myself, and let go of the need for it to look the same all the time.

Ultimately, this work of being a considerate helper extends beyond what I do for others. It’s about allowing that compassion to flow inward as well. As I continue to unpack everything I learned in Italy, I’m committing to weaving self-compassion more intentionally into both my personal and professional life. It’s an ongoing practice, but one that I believe will lead to greater balance, fulfillment, and joy.

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