How Perfectionism Nearly Broke Me (And What I Did About It)
The Obsession with Getting It Just Right
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t chasing perfection. As a kid, I would erase my homework over and over until the letters looked "right." In college, I’d rewrite an essay a dozen times, never quite satisfied. And as an adult? That pursuit of flawlessness bled into everything—work, relationships, even the way I presented myself online.
At first, I thought it was a good thing. Perfectionism felt like my secret weapon. It kept me ahead, made me feel accomplished. But over time, it started feeling less like ambition and more like a prison.
When Perfectionism Stops Being Helpful
The turning point came when I missed a major opportunity because I couldn’t hit “submit.”
I had been working on a project for weeks. It was good—really good. But instead of turning it in on time, I kept tweaking, convinced it wasn’t ready yet. By the time I finally felt okay with it, the deadline had passed. I lost the opportunity, not because I wasn’t good enough, but because I refused to believe I was already good enough.
I started realizing just how much perfectionism was costing me:
✔ Endless stress over minor details that didn’t matter.
✔ Procrastination disguised as “refinement.”
✔ Feeling like nothing I did was ever truly enough.
✔ Avoiding risks because I was afraid of making mistakes.
The Harsh Truth: Perfectionism is About Fear
Psychologist Dr. Brené Brown says, “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence. It’s a shield.” And wow, did that hit home.
My perfectionism wasn’t about wanting to do my best—it was about fearing failure. If I never finished, I couldn’t be judged. If I over-prepared, I wouldn’t have to deal with rejection. The need to be perfect was actually just the fear of not being worthy underneath it all.
How I Started Letting Go of Perfectionism
Breaking free from the perfectionism trap didn’t happen overnight, but here’s what actually helped me:
I started finishing things before I felt “ready.” Even if I cringed, even if it wasn’t “perfect.” The more I did this, the more I realized the world didn’t end.
I set deadlines for myself and stuck to them. No more endless tweaking. Done is better than perfect.
I reminded myself that people connect with real more than perfect. Nobody actually wants flawless—they want authenticity.
I celebrated progress instead of waiting for perfection. Instead of focusing on what wasn’t good enough, I started acknowledging how far I’d come.
The Freedom of Being “Good Enough”
Letting go of perfectionism doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means recognizing your worth isn’t tied to your output.
Now, when that old perfectionist voice creeps in, I remind myself: “You are allowed to be a work in progress and still be worthy of success, happiness, and rest.”
If perfectionism has been holding you back, this is your sign to stop waiting for “perfect” and just start. Because trust me—you’re already enough.
If this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder. Let’s learn to embrace imperfection together.
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