The word that kept surfacing this week was perfection.
I heard it in conversations over and over again this week. People shared how they were stuck trying to get things “just right.” I saw it in hesitation, in burnout, in the quiet frustration of unfinished work. It even came up in conversations about mid-year reflections, where many asked, “What’s holding me back from moving forward?”
Maybe you’ve been asking the same thing.
Are you waiting for the right time?
Trying to make it flawless before you start?
Afraid that if it’s not perfect, it’s not good enough?
Perfectionism often sneaks in wearing the mask of discipline or high standards. But underneath, it’s usually fear – of judgment, of failure, of not being enough. And in that fear, we become stuck, tired, and disconnected from the joy of creating and leading.
What Does Perfectionism Look Like?
It doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it whispers.
You second-guess every word in an email.
You hold back your ideas until they’re polished.
You don’t celebrate wins because you’re already focused on what’s next.
And depending on your personality, perfectionism can show up in different ways:
- You might push for high achievement and never feel finished.
- You might dream big but delay starting out of fear it won’t turn out “right.”
- You might overthink to avoid conflict or disappointment.
- You might get lost in details, trying to find the perfect plan.
No matter how it shows up, perfectionism creates pressure and distance – from our goals, our people, and ourselves.
A Better Way: Focus on the Process
As I reread The Artist’s Way, I was reminded that you don’t become better by getting it perfect. You grow by doing.
The process is where the learning lives. It’s messy, imperfect, and powerful.
Whether you’re leading, creating, healing, or beginning again, clarity comes through action. Confidence is built by showing up.
A Recalibration Invitation
So this week, pause and ask yourself:
- What have I been putting off until it’s “just right”?
- What is perfectionism costing me?
- Where can I try, even if I’m not totally ready?
Let go of perfect. Lean into real. That’s where growth begins.
You’re Not Alone
If perfectionism is something you struggle with, you’re not the only one. The struggle is real. And you don’t have to face it alone.
If this is holding you back, I can help. Let’s talk about it. Let’s work through it. Sometimes just naming it out loud opens the door to change.
I’ll be here – cheering you on, imperfections and all.
Nicole Ensmenger COTA/L, CMLC
Strategic Growth Partner, Creativity Instigator &
Founder of Tinker’N with Intention
Nicole@TinkerN.org
Intentional Moments Create Lasting Impact
“We cannot BECOME what we want by remaining what we are” –Max DePree