If you’ve ever felt held back by perfectionism, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of The Sh*t They Should Have Taught Us in School, I shared my journey of learning how to let go of perfectionism and stop letting it control my actions. Perfectionism doesn’t just stop us from doing our best; it keeps us stuck, often afraid to even begin. Here, I’ll unpack some insights from the episode, exploring why letting go of perfectionism is crucial, how perfectionism ties to shame, and the freedom we gain when we finally let it go.

The Myth of “Perfect” and How It Holds Us Back

Many people view perfectionism as a positive trait, a way to strive for excellence. But in reality, perfection is a myth. “Perfect” is a subjective illusion that can keep us in an endless loop of self-doubt and avoidance. Everyone has a different idea of what “perfect” is, making it impossible to truly attain.

“Perfect is a limitation. Progress is where growth lives.”

Letting go of perfectionism means making room for progress and real growth. When we stop chasing “perfect,” we allow ourselves to explore, learn, and move forward without fear.

The Connection Between Perfectionism and Shame

Letting go of perfectionism also means confronting the shame that often hides behind it. Perfectionism and shame go hand in hand because, when we fail to meet impossible standards, we feel a sense of personal inadequacy. This shame can keep us paralyzed, feeling that no matter what we do, it won’t be good enough.

Recognizing this link between perfectionism and shame is essential if we want to break free. By letting go of perfectionism, we allow ourselves to grow without fearing failure or judgment.

Embracing Uncertainty: Moving Forward Without a “Perfect” Plan

Imagine walking down a foggy path where only the next few steps are visible. Perfectionism would have us believe we need to see the entire path before taking a single step. But life doesn’t work that way. Each small step forward makes the path clearer, revealing new possibilities and directions.

“Clarity comes from action.”

Taking steps forward, however small, can give us the courage to move forward and let go of perfectionism’s hold. Letting go of the need to have everything “perfect” opens us up to growth and new insights.

Excellence vs Perfection: Set Your Standard

When you struggle with perfectionism, chances are you’re also an overachiever. I want to be clear – I want you to keep striving for excellence. However, perfection and excellence are not the same.

Like I mentioned before, most people that struggle with perfectionism use it as an excuse for the high standards they have for themselves – yet that “high standard” seems to never get met. Why? Because they aren’t trying to meet a standard – they are trying to be perfect.

Perfection is an emotional goal. It’s created out of the fear of being judged or rejected.
Excellence is a logical one… it has a standard. And there is always another level.

If you want a quick trick to getting yourself out of the perfection loop without sacrificing your excellence – Create your target. Get clear on what needs to be accomplished in order for you to feel like you have met your high standard of excellence.

Once it’s achieved… THAT’S IT. No 1000 revisions. No edit until you bleed.

Trust that the standard you set for yourself is good enough and release it into the world. Then, if you feel like you need to – raise your standard for the next project or goal you’re working on.

5 Steps to Letting Go of Perfectionism

To help you on your journey of letting go of perfectionism, here are a few actionable steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Triggers – Notice when and where perfectionism shows up in your life. Being aware of these moments can help you better understand them.
2. Set Your Standard – Create a goal that has clear targets for you to hit [TIP: Use S.M.A.R.T goals]
3. Take Action – Begin with one small action instead of focusing on a “perfect” outcome. Taking that first step builds momentum.
4. Reframe Failure as Growth – Letting go of perfectionism means seeing failure as a lesson, not as something to fear. If you aren’t happy with what you created, get excited about the lessons in that and keep moving forward.
5. Celebrate Progress – Focus on the small wins. Celebrating each step keeps you moving forward, free from perfectionism’s unrealistic standards.

Final Thoughts: Choose Progress Over Perfection

Letting go of perfectionism isn’t easy, especially if it’s been part of your life for a long time. But when we choose progress over perfection, we give ourselves the freedom to explore, grow, and experiment without fear.

So, the next time you find yourself waiting for “perfect,” remind yourself that progress is always within reach. Letting go of perfectionism means embracing the process, celebrating small steps, and allowing yourself to evolve.

Want to Dive Deeper? Listen to the Full Episode

If you’re ready to break free from perfectionism and its limitations, I invite you to listen to the full episode of The Sh*t They Should Have Taught Us in School. In this episode, I dive deeper into these insights, sharing my personal journey and more ideas on how to let go of perfectionism and find freedom.

Listen to the full episode here:
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple

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Looking for help?

If you’ve been feeling stuck—waiting for the “perfect” moment to start, launch, or move forward—it’s time to shift your mindset and uncover what’s truly possible.

In my one-on-one coaching sessions, we’ll:

• Identify the hidden beliefs and stories keeping you in the cycle of perfectionism.
• Build the confidence to take action, even when things feel uncertain or messy.
• Redefine success on your terms, so you can move forward with clarity and purpose.

Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back and create a personalized plan to help you move forward with intention and ease.

Let’s take that first step together. Click [here] to book your free 30-minute discovery call and explore how we can work together to break free from perfectionism and unlock your potential.

The clarity and freedom you’ve been searching for are closer than you think.