How to overcome perfectionism?

It’s been a while since my last edition of lessons learned - not because I’ve run out of lessons to share, but because I’ve let perfectionism hold me back. I have drafts waiting in the wings, almost ready to go, but that little voice in my head keeps whispering, “Just tweak this a bit more… maybe wait until it’s flawless"

Today, I decided to confront this head-on. I dove into a rabbit hole of articles and videos about overcoming perfectionism. Halfway through my “research" it dawned on me...this was just another way to procrastinate! Perfectionism is really just a clever excuse. If I keep waiting for everything to be perfect, I’ll never share anything at all. So here I am, imperfectly sharing my thoughts. And guess what??? I’m committing to share something every month, so stay tuned! (fingers crossed)

Getting it done is better than getting it done perfectly

For many of us, perfectionism manifests in various ways - endless retakes, overthinking minor details, or freezing at the thought of not getting it “just right.” It often begins with a genuine desire to excel but quickly morphs into pressure that turns passion into stress. Whether it’s writing an article, creating a video, or learning a new skill, we might find ourselves obsessing over every detail. This fixation can become paralyzing, sometimes to the point where we stop altogether due to fear of not meeting our own high expectations.

Here’s the truth: when it comes to creativity, you cannot be a perfectionist. Done is better than perfect. This shift in mindset allows us to see our projects as ongoing journeys rather than needing to achieve an unattainable standard from the outset. Our creative endeavors become much more enjoyable when we realize we can always revisit and improve upon them. The pressure for everything to be perfect fades away and is replaced by a sense of progress.

You have to let yourself make mistakes

We often take ourselves too seriously. Perfectionism thrives on this seriousness; the more pressure we place on ourselves, the higher the stakes become, making us afraid to falter. Letting go of this pressure can transform our approach.

If we tackle our projects with a lighter mindset, we open ourselves up to creativity rather than criticism. This doesn’t mean lowering our standards; it means understanding that our value isn’t tied to being flawless but rather comes from the unique perspectives and voices we bring.

Bonus Tip: When you find yourself caught up in the need for perfection, remind yourself that progress is what truly matters. The next time you’re working on something, remember: perfection isn’t the goal, growth is.

Embracing “Good Enough”

Perfectionism can hold us back from achieving our goals and enjoying our lives. By recognizing its presence and actively working against it, we can free ourselves from its constraints. Here are some strategies:

• Celebrate your successes: Focus on what you did well instead of fixating on what could be better.
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Mistakes are part of growth; they help us learn and improve.
• Set reasonable expectations: Aim for achievable goals rather than impossible standards.
• Break tasks into smaller steps: Tackle projects one manageable piece at a time.
• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness (always) when things don’t go as planned.

By shifting our focus from perfection to progress and allowing ourselves the grace to make mistakes, we pave the way for creativity and fulfillment in our lives. So here’s to embracing imperfection together!

I will say it again: don't hold back, be kind to yourself and JUST DO IT ????