Waiting to Be Perfect? How Playing It Safe Is Sabotaging Your Career

Let me share a personal story—one that I know many women in leadership will resonate with.

I spent 10 years in the same role. During that time, I took on more responsibility, led teams without the title, and even earned my degree. I was proving my value every single day—yet I wasn’t moving up. I kept telling myself, "Once I finish this degree, once I master this skill, once I’m 'perfect,' then I’ll be ready for that next step." Spoiler alert: perfection never came, and neither did the promotion—until I made a change.

So many women leaders are doing the same thing, waiting to feel ‘ready’ or perfect before stepping up. But here’s the truth: that moment of perfection will never arrive.

Why Perfectionism Is Sabotaging Your Success

Women are notorious for waiting until they check every box before they raise their hand for a new role or promotion. In contrast, men tend to apply when they meet just 60% of the qualifications. The stats back this up: according to research, men are promoted 30% more often than women in leadership roles, even when they have similar qualifications.

And here’s why: while women are busy perfecting themselves, they’re hiding.

• They hide in the trenches, working long hours and taking on every task for their team, but forgetting to prioritize their own growth.
• They hide in education, thinking one more certification will finally make them 'ready' for that leadership role. Education is great, but it’s not always necessary to advance.
• They hide behind busy calendars, not managing their time to create space for visibility and strategic work that will drive their career goals forward.

Does any of this sound familiar?

How I Broke Free of the Perfection Trap

After 10 years of waiting to be noticed, I realized no one was going to promote me unless I stepped up and advocated for myself. I had already proven my leadership, but I wasn’t owning it. So, I made a shift. I began using strategies that I now teach to ambitious women like you:

• I recognized my value and started sharing my contributions and advocating for myself.
• I managed my calendar to make time for strategic initiatives and career growth, not just daily tasks.
• I stopped hiding and took consistent, intentional brave action.

One of the biggest turning points was when I had courageous, extremely uncomfortable conversations—the kind that scared me but were absolutely necessary. I learned to advocate for myself, speak up about the value I brought to the table, and push for opportunities I knew I deserved. It wasn’t easy, but it was life-changing.

The result? I earned four promotions in 10 years—including two promotions in less than a year.

The Bottom Line: Progress Over Perfection Wins Every Time

You don’t need to be perfect to move up. In fact, striving for perfection is what's holding you back and keeping you stuck. Progress over perfection wins every time. You just need to be visible, strategic, and willing to advocate for yourself.

So, are you still waiting to feel 'ready' for your next move? Stop waiting. Take action now.

Ready to Break the Perfection Trap?

If any of this resonates with you, let’s chat. Book a complimentary 20 Minute call with me to discuss actionable steps you can take right now to stop hiding and start advancing.

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