You know that feeling when you’re about to start something new—maybe launching a new service, starting a podcast, or writing that blog post that’s been in your drafts folder for months—but something holds you back?
Let me guess: perfectionism.
Yep, that sneaky mindset that convinces us we’re not quite ready yet. That we need to learn more, research more, or tweak things just a little longer before putting ourselves out there.
But here’s the truth: perfectionism isn’t protecting you. It’s just a really sneaky form of procrastination in a fancy outfit.
Progress Over Perfection
This season on the Live Full Work Fun podcast, my co-host, Fran Attilio and I have been digging into the theme “Don’t Let the Start Stop You.” It’s all about that moment when you’re standing at the edge of something exciting (and maybe a little scary), and you have to decide whether to step forward or hold back.
One thing we know for sure: perfectionism loves to show up in these moments. But let me tell you—nothing ever gets done if you’re always waiting for the perfect conditions.
Perfectionism says:
- “You’re not ready.”
- “You need to research more.”
- “What if people judge you?”
But shifting out of that mindset means saying:
- “Done is better than perfect.”
- “I can always improve later.”
- “Every step forward is a win.”
The Power of Replacing Perfectionism
In one of our recent episodes, Fran shared 10 “P”ower words that can help reframe your thinking when perfectionism creeps in.
Just a simple shift in the language you use with yourself can make all the difference.
Instead of saying “It has to be perfect,” try:
- “It has to be meaningful.”
- “It has to be authentic.”
- “It has to be done.”
And instead of “I’m not ready,” try:
- “I’m willing to learn.”
- “I’m brave enough to start.”
- “I’m committed to growing.”
Language has power. Your words shape your thoughts, and your thoughts shape your actions. So the more you replace perfectionist language with progress-focused language, the easier it becomes to take action—even messy, imperfect action.
You Don’t Have to Get It Right the First Time
Let’s normalize being a beginner.
You don’t have to master something before you start. You don’t need a polished website before taking on your first client. You don’t need to know everything before you hit “publish” on that first blog post.
Perfectionism often makes us believe we have one shot to get it right. But in reality? Everything is editable. Everything is update-able. Everything is figure-out-able.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Improve as you go.
Final Thoughts: Let the Start Be Messy
If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: starting messy is still starting. And starting is where all the good stuff begins.
Perfection might look shiny, but progress is where the magic happens. So let go of the idea that you have to do it just right from the beginning. Just take that first step. And then the next. And the next.
I invite you to take a few moments and listen to the Live Full Work Fun Podcast episode below where Fran shares her 10 “P”ower Words that should replace perfection.