Striving for perfection is a cycle that can be hard to break—especially when you’re juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. My personal unhealthy cycle of perfectionism came to a head in 2019 when I became a mom to my little girl, Ava. Suddenly, there was this tiny person who needed me—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I was determined to show up for her as the best mother I could be. But at the same time, I was struggling to give enough of myself to my career, and I didn’t know how to balance both.

For five years, I wrestled with trying to find harmony between these two areas of my life. I moved from role to role in my school career, hoping one would fit my new reality and allow me to be the best version of myself as a mother and as a professional. By the end of it, I was exhausted—completely burned out. I knew something had to change, or I would lose myself entirely.

One evening in late 2022, while taking a phone call from a concerned parent, the weight of my stress finally hit me. I was listening to a parent vent about a situation with her child, and at the same time, my 3-year-old Ava was at my feet, begging for me to pick her up. I listened to the parent’s increasingly hostile tone, all while trying to comfort Ava, tears silently rolling down my cheeks. When the call ended, I held my daughter and cried. In that moment, I felt like I was failing at everything. I vowed to change something—anything—that would help me rewrite the story of my life and choose a better path for us. I wasn’t a perfect dean or a perfect mother. In fact, it felt like I wasn’t good enough at either.

Breaking Free from Perfectionism: A New Mindset for Business and Life

Breaking free from the “must be perfect” narrative hasn’t been easy—especially as I launched my business. The fear of judgment, failure, and not being enough often creeps in. I still wrestle with perfectionism almost daily, but I’ve learned that it’s one of the biggest obstacles to success. In fact, perfectionism often undermines progress. It’s a trap that can hold you back from achieving your goals because you’re too focused on getting everything right.

Here’s what I’ve learned about fighting perfectionism in business—and how it has helped me take meaningful steps forward:

1. Set Deadlines, Not Perfection Expectations

A key shift I made was to set realistic deadlines instead of striving for perfection. Deadlines helped me create urgency and prioritize progress over perfection. I realized that making steady progress is far more important than achieving perfection. By focusing on completing tasks within a reasonable time frame, I was able to focus on what truly mattered for my business and take consistent action, even when things weren’t flawless.

2. Embrace “Good Enough”

One of the most powerful realizations I had was that “good enough” is often all you need. Perfectionism can paralyze you, leading to decision fatigue and procrastination. I’ve come to understand that launching a product or service that’s 80% complete is better than waiting for it to be perfect. In fact, I’m currently in the process of updating the first design of my website as I write this—proof that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.

3. Focus on the Bigger Picture

Perfectionism has a way of making you lose sight of the bigger picture. Instead of obsessing over every tiny detail, I’ve learned to refocus on my larger goals: growing my business, connecting with customers, and creating value. Perfection is subjective, and more often than not, the overall experience is more important than perfecting the details. By shifting my focus from the micro to the macro, I’m able to stay aligned with my true purpose and move my business forward.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Fail

Learning to fail—and embrace failure—has been incredibly freeing. Failure is not a reflection of my worth but a necessary step on the path to success. When you’re constantly chasing perfection, you’re bound to feel paralyzed by the fear of failing. But the reality is that failure is inevitable—and accepting it has allowed me to learn, grow, and move on faster. Each mistake is simply an opportunity for improvement.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Perfectionism often stems from an inner critic that tells you you’re not doing enough or that you’re not good enough. I’ve had to learn to be kinder to myself, recognizing that I’m human, I’m learning, and I’m doing my best. Embracing imperfections means I can let go of unrealistic expectations and allow myself the space to grow. Self-compassion has been one of the most powerful tools in overcoming the perfectionist mindset.

Embracing Imperfection: A New Path Forward for Myself and My Family

As I continue to build my business, I’m learning to take action before I feel 100% ready. Showing up as my true, imperfect self has not only been liberating for me, but it’s also empowering for others. One of my main goals as a mother is to break the cycle of perfectionism for Ava. We talk about it often—especially when she makes a mistake. I remind her, “You are beautiful and worthy just as you are. There’s nothing you can do—or not do—that would make me love you any less.” I want Ava to grow up knowing that our worth is not tied to our achievements and that she doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.

Moving Beyond Perfectionism: A New Definition of Success

Over time, my definition of success has shifted. Perfectionism no longer defines my success. Instead, I focus on progress, balance, and authenticity. Letting go of the need to be perfect has opened up so many opportunities for joy, creativity, and peace in both my life and my business.

If you’re also struggling with perfectionism, I want to encourage you that it’s okay to be imperfect and still worthy of success. Letting go of perfection allows you to experience growth, freedom, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Embrace imperfection—it’s where real progress begins.