How to Be Better: Be Worse First

"Perfection is the enemy of progress." — Winston Churchill

What would you achieve if you gave yourself permission to fail?

"I give myself permission to be worse."

This simple but profound mindset has transformed not only my approach to life but also the journeys of countless others. Society often tells us to avoid failure at all costs, but I’ve discovered that accepting imperfection and loving to fail is the true key to sustainable growth.

At The Be Better Academy, we believe that being "worse first" isn’t about giving up or settling for mediocrity—it’s about redefining progress.

Instead of chasing perfection from the outset, we encourage accepting your flaws, stepping into discomfort, and growing authentically. This perspective shift can unlock something in you that perfectionism will never allow.

Context

As a keen observer of human behaviour, I’ve noticed an interesting paradox: the pursuit of perfection often leads to stagnation.

Many people feel immense pressure to "get it right" from the start.

And I get it—people don’t want to fail. They avoid starting something new because they fear being bad at it. But in doing so, they rob themselves of the opportunity to grow.

Think about it. How many times have you avoided trying something because you worried about failing or looking stupid?

Now, consider this: Nobody starts as an expert. They allow themselves to stumble, learn, and improve. What about you? Have you reluctantly tried something—only to realise afterward that the struggle helped you grow?

Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about being willing to begin, flaws and all.

The Science Behind Growth Through Imperfection

Why is "being worse first" so effective?

It comes down to how our brains process failure and growth.

Allowing yourself to be imperfect activates a growth mindset, a concept coined by one of my favourite psychologists, Carol Dweck.

People with a growth mindset believe that skills and intelligence can be developed with effort. This mindset promotes resilience, curiosity, and the courage to persevere through challenges.

In contrast, perfectionism often leads to a fixed mindset, where mistakes are seen as proof of inadequacy. This fear of failure can paralyze you, preventing risks and stifling growth.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that a lot of straight-A students tend to have this mentality.

By accepting imperfection, you train your brain—through repetition—to view challenges as opportunities, not threats.

This mental flexibility allows you to adapt, persevere, and build the resilience necessary for long-term success.

A Relatable Example

I’ve failed to find my passion many times.

From a clothing label to several business models that just didn’t take off, I’ve been there.

I won’t lie—failure isn’t enjoyable. Each moment stung. But I chose to spend most of my time focusing on what I was learning in the process. I didn’t just fail in business; I learned more about myself each time, discovering what I truly wanted to pursue and what I was capable of.

Each "failure" wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of something new.

This mindset helped me get to where I am today—doing work that excites me and aligns with my values.

The first time I picked up my phone and started recording myself, “uncomfortable” didn’t even begin to describe the feeling I felt. I didn’t know where to look, I didn’t like how I sounded, and I struggled to keep my thoughts straight. Questions flooded my mind: What would people think? Was I even making sense?

But I stuck with it. Over and over, I hit record. Each take taught me something new. Each "mistake" was a lesson, not a failure. Slowly, the discomfort faded. My confidence grew. Now? The moment I see a camera, I think, "Action."

The same principle applies to any pursuit—whether it’s starting a new purpose, building a business, or pursuing a fitness goal. You have to embrace the "messy middle" to reach mastery.

Challenge

So, here’s your challenge for the week:

1. Identify something you’ve been hesitant to start. It could be a fitness routine, a creative project, or even a difficult conversation.
2. Take the first imperfect step. Allow yourself to do it badly, knowing that progress starts with effort, not perfection.
3. Reflect on the experience. After a few days, reflect. How did it feel to let go of the need to be perfect? What did you learn from taking action? Growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from persistence.

Closing Thoughts

It’s hard, but perfection isn’t the goal—it’s the roadblock.

When you give yourself permission to "be worse first," you open the door to growth, learning, and transformation.

So start messy. Fail forward. Let your flaws become the foundation for something extraordinary. Your journey to growth starts with a single step—take it today.

Until next time,

Oliver Bukasa

Mindset and Mental Performance Coach