Letting Go of Perfection
Embracing Your Unique Journey
In today’s episode, Erika delves into the topic of perfectionism—how it holds us back and what we can do to free ourselves from its grasp. Join us on a journey to self-compassion, acceptance, and growth. Start Listening Now.
Start Listening Now
Join me as we unpack the impact of perfectionism and learn how to truly embrace life’s journey.
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Be Honestly You!
Today, I want to talk about something that affects so many of us—perfectionism.
For years, I found myself trapped in the cycle of trying to make everything perfect. I’d spend hours refining, redoing, and questioning everything, from work projects to the way I presented myself to others. I convinced myself that if everything was flawless, then I’d finally feel enough.
The Trap of Perfection
I remember one particular project that took me much longer than it should have. I kept tweaking, adjusting, and revisiting every detail. I thought I was making it better, but looking back, I was actually just holding myself back. My fear of not being perfect kept me from finishing it, and even though I wanted to be proud of my work, I was exhausted and critical of myself at every step.
Perfectionism can be a mask for self-doubt.
How to Start Letting Go
If you find yourself in that perfectionist loop, here are some things I learned that might help you embrace your own unique journey.
- Set ‘Good Enough’ Standards
- “Start with something you feel comfortable calling ‘good enough.’ Instead of aiming for perfection, aim to complete it to a standard you’re happy with. Progress is more valuable than perfection.”
- Practice Self-Compassion
- “When you catch yourself being overly critical, take a step back. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Self-compassion allows you to see mistakes as learning moments instead of failures.”
- Challenge the Need for Control
- “Often, perfectionism is tied to control. Letting go of needing every detail to be perfect opens the door to new experiences, growth, and sometimes even unexpected joys.”
- Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
- “Perfectionism is outcome-focused, but there’s so much value in the journey itself. Try to find joy in the process, and let yourself learn along the way without the pressure of a flawless result.”
- Celebrate Small Wins
- “Take time to acknowledge each step you complete. When you allow yourself to feel proud of small wins, you start to realize how much you’re actually capable of—without needing to be perfect.”
