WHAT IS PERFECTION DOING TO YOUR LIFE?
Are you “type A”? Perfectionist and proud of it? Yeah, me too. Until I realized that my perfectionism kept me stuck, closed off, and limited genuine connection with others.
The Price of Perfection
For most of your life, you might have worn your perfectionism like a badge of honor. Maybe it’s driven you, propelled you forward, and helped you achieve impressive things. But have you ever stopped to wonder what it’s really costing you?
Here’s the truth: while perfectionism might look like a superpower on the outside, it often comes with a heavy price. The constant need to be “perfect” can create anxiety, isolate you, and—without you even realizing it—put a strain on your relationships. You may think you’re just setting high standards, but those around you might feel like they are walking on eggshells.
On a recent podcast, Rhonda Peoples, co-founder of the Empowering Women Alliance and CRO of GreenMatter Biotech, shared her inspiring story and how she unraveled from 22 years of perfection that left her alone in the hours when she needed people most.
Listen to the Episode: Confronting the Self Deception that is Holding You Back
While you may be admired from atop your pedestal, true connection is missing. Not to mention who you really are—without those perfectionist tendencies—is what will draw people to you and make your content and your work more engaging and impactful.
Letting Go and Letting In
As you loosen your grip on perfection, you will find yourself saying yes to things that scare you, and that’s where the magic happens. You will stop worrying so much about what others think. You will take risks you never would have dared before.
For me, it meant starting a business, launching a podcast, and building a network that’s more genuine and supportive than I ever imagined.
For Rhonda, she is now the co-founder of an women’s group that helps women uncover their purpose and do the deep work to live as their authentic selves. She is conquering her long-held fear of public speaking and spearheading work for a company focused on a more sustainable future for health and the earth.
Conversations become deeper. Connections become more meaningful. You start to see the unique brilliance in everyone you meet.
The Ripple Effect
I recently met another recovering perfectionist at a networking event. She shared how being around someone still stuck in “perfectionist mode” made her feel like she could never measure up. Perfectionism doesn’t just affect you—it can push others away, too.
But here’s the good news: as you step into your authentic self, you give others permission to do the same. You become more engaging, more relatable, and truer to yourself.
Who Are You, Really?
It’s normal to wonder: what parts of you are truly you, and what parts are just the perfectionist mask you’ve worn for so long? Some things will fall away naturally. Others, you will wrestle with. Just remember what Steven Pressfield wrote in “The War of Art”: if you would still do what you do even if the world was ending, that’s probably the real you.
Your Permission Slip to be Imperfect
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to live with anxiety, fear, or frustration—all less than characteristics that come with perfectionism, striving, and performance. You just need to be YOU.
When you stop dancing for others and realize that you were created perfectly, exactly as you are, you will start to see all the amazing things you’re meant to do. You will feel lighter, freer, and more alive.
See Life from a New Perspective
When you let go of what you “should” do and start doing what you were born to do, everything changes. You sleep better, wake up excited, and notice small miracles everywhere. Life becomes a thrilling, joyful ride.
So, here’s your invitation: let go of perfection. Embrace your authentic self. And watch your world transform.
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Need support for “recovering from perfectionism”? Check out The Clarity Program, where you get one to one consultations and thought-provoking insights that will completely change your trajectory and set you on the path to the life you love. Book your Discovery Consult now.
