How many times have you told yourself, "I just need to do this one thing perfectly, and then I’ll feel accomplished"? If you’re anything like me (or most of the women I work with), that line of thinking is pretty common. The to-do list is never-ending, and the pressure to be "perfect" in everything – work, home, relationships, self-care – can feel suffocating.
But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: Perfectionism is keeping you stuck. It’s not helping you achieve more. In fact, it’s probably the very thing holding you back from the life you actually want to live.
The Illusion of "Doing It All"
I know it can feel like the more you push yourself, the closer you’ll get to having it all together. If you could just perfect your routine, get ahead at work, be more present with your family, meal prep perfectly, and look good doing it all, then you’d finally feel satisfied, right?
But here's the thing – doing it all is an illusion. The idea that you can juggle every ball flawlessly is a myth sold to us by a perfectionist-driven culture that glorifies busyness and hustle.
What perfectionism really does is leave you feeling:
Exhausted because you’re constantly running on empty, trying to check every box.
Frustrated because no matter how hard you try, nothing ever feels good enough.
Disconnected because in your pursuit of "perfect," you’ve lost touch with yourself and what truly matters.
When we’re obsessed with getting everything right, we miss out on the things that actually fill us up – like connection, joy, and a sense of ease. Perfectionism blinds us to the fact that we don’t need to do it all to feel whole.
Why Perfectionism Keeps You Stuck
So why is perfectionism such a trap? Well, when you’re striving for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for failure. That’s because perfection is unattainable. Every time you get close, the bar moves, and suddenly you’re reaching for something even more impossible. This leaves you feeling like you're in a constant cycle of not being "enough" – not productive enough, not organized enough, not you-name-it enough.
Perfectionism also keeps you playing small. It convinces you that if you can’t do something perfectly, you shouldn’t do it at all. How many times have you avoided starting a project, setting a boundary, or even taking a break because it didn’t feel like the "right" time? We wait for perfect conditions that never come, and as a result, we stay stuck exactly where we are.
What to Do Instead
I know what you’re thinking: “If I stop aiming for perfection, won’t everything fall apart? Won’t I just get lazy or let things slide?”
Not at all. In fact, letting go of perfectionism is the key to doing more, with less effort, and actually feeling good while doing it. Here’s what you can do instead:
1. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism paralyzes you, but progress propels you forward. Instead of asking, “Is this perfect?” ask yourself, “Am I making progress?” Small, imperfect steps are still steps in the right direction. And over time, they lead to big, meaningful change.
2. Choose What Really Matters
If everything is important, nothing is. Take a step back and ask yourself what actually matters most to you right now. Focus your energy on a few key things that align with your values and let go of the rest. This doesn’t mean you’re failing – it means you’re choosing what’s truly important.
3. Embrace Imperfection
The more you allow yourself to be imperfect, the more freedom you’ll feel. Life isn’t about getting everything right – it’s about experiencing it. Be okay with messy, unfinished, and “good enough.” It’s in these moments that we find joy and connection.
4. Build Rest into Your Routine
Perfectionism often tells us that rest is unproductive. But the reality is that rest is necessary for productivity. If you don’t give yourself space to recharge, you’ll end up burning out. Build small moments of rest into your routine – whether that’s five minutes of quiet, a walk outside, or simply saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve you.
Breaking Free From Perfectionism
I’m not going to lie to you – letting go of perfectionism takes time. It’s deeply ingrained in many of us, especially if you’re someone who’s been praised for your productivity or work ethic your whole life. But breaking free from that mindset is possible.
What if you could feel good about what you accomplish instead of feeling like it’s never enough? What if you could enjoy your life, instead of constantly chasing an impossible standard? I promise you, it’s not only possible – it’s essential for your well-being.
If you’re ready to take a step toward letting go of perfectionism and creating more balance in your life, I invite you to start small. Download my free Self-Care Calendar, packed with 31 days of simple, 5-minute activities that help you reset and reconnect with what matters most. You can sign up right here: www.slowdownwithsara.com/free-self-care-calendar
It’s time to stop doing it all and start doing what’s right for you. Because when you stop striving for perfection, you make space for something even better – joy, peace, and a life that feels good.
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