How to Break Free from Perfectionism & Make Real Progress

Perfectionism might feel like a badge of honor, but it’s actually holding you and your team back. By trying to get everything ‘just right,’ you end up slowing progress, wasting time, and missing opportunities. Here’s how to let go of the lie of perfectionism and embrace progress instead.

Set Realistic Standards

• Perfectionism sets impossible standards that nobody can meet. Start by setting realistic, attainable goals for yourself and your team. You don’t need every detail to be flawless—focus on what matters most to the project or task and let the rest go.

• Action Step: Identify one task or project this week where you’ll aim for ‘good enough’ instead of perfect. Use it as a chance to practice letting go.

Value Progress over Perfection

• High-performing teams know that progress is what matters most. Perfectionism leads to overthinking and wasted time, while consistent progress moves the needle. Celebrate small wins and forward movement instead of obsessing over flaws.

• Action Step: At the end of each day, list out the progress made—even if it’s small. Recognize the value of momentum.

Foster a Culture of Experimentation

• Teams that fear mistakes are teams that don’t innovate. Encourage experimentation and learning from missteps. A culture that embraces trial and error moves faster and achieves more than one that waits for everything to be perfect.

• Action Step: Challenge your team to take on one ‘risky’ task this week—something that might not be perfect but will push the boundaries of what they can achieve.

Perfectionism doesn’t deliver results—progress does. By setting realistic goals, valuing momentum, and embracing a culture of learning, you and your team will get further, faster. Remember, progress beats perfection every time.