First published 13 February 2025

Is Done Better Than Perfect?

We live in a world that far too often glorifies perfection.

Whether it is social media feeds filled with flawless and exciting lives, or the constant pressure to achieve “the best” in everything we do that was instilled in us usually in childhood (along with the ‘failure is bad’ lecture – but we might leave that one for another day…).

This relentless pursuit of perfection can be overwhelming and exhausting, leading to disappointment and frustration.

But, what if we shifted our focus from striving for perfection to celebrating progress? (you likely know by now how much I love a good celebration of wins no matter how small!)

The truth is, perfection is often an elusive and unattainable goal – a bit like searching for the holy grail!

It can lead to procrastination, anxiety, and ultimately, a sense of complete failure.

So, instead of aiming for flawless results, how about we aim to embrace the power of progress? Think about it: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time of course. 😉

Achieving any significant goal requires breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps (or bites!).

These small steps, even if imperfect, represent progress.

Each small victory, each incremental improvement, builds momentum and reinforces our belief in our ability to achieve our goals.

Just like a marathon runner doesn’t fixate on the finish line from the start, we need to focus on each step, each stride, along the way.

Celebrate small wins, acknowledge your efforts, and learn from any challenges, pivots or detours.

Here are a few tips to help us embrace progress over perfection:

• Set realistic goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps.  And make sure that they are really clear and that you have a good understanding of how to take that first step.
• Focus on effort over outcome: Celebrate your hard work and dedication, regardless of the end result.
• Embrace imperfection: Learn from any mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth rather than a reason to beat yourself up.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism.  I think I will say that again – Be Kind To Yourself!
• Celebrate your wins: Acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how small and no matter how you think you may be judged for celebrating the small stuff (I am speaking from experience here!)

Remember, the journey towards any goal is rarely a straight line.

There will be detours, obstacles, and moments of doubt.

But by focusing on progress, celebrating small victories, and embracing imperfection, you can achieve your goals and cultivate a more fulfilling and less stressful journey.

What are your thoughts? How do you prioritise progress over perfection in your own life? And as always, if you need a sounding board to get started, book in for a quick zoffee!