I have to admit one of the biggest things that caused a mental roadblock for me was perfection. Throughout high school I struggled with this, always waiting until the night before a paper was due to work on it. I just couldn’t get over the title wasn’t good enough, the paragraph had to be re-written. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that I could be successful and I didn’t have to be perfect or produce everything perfectly. Sometimes, good enough is just that. Perfection isn’t necessary. You can achieve success in other ways that perfection.

In a world that celebrates overachievement, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that success means doing everything perfectly. We set high expectations for ourselves, and when we fall short, we feel like failures.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to be perfect to be successful. In fact, perfectionism can hold you back. It keeps you so focused on getting things right that you forget to actually enjoy the process.

So how can you chase success without getting stuck in the perfectionism trap? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

There’s No Magic Formula

Let’s say you want to lose weight and get fit. You might find yourself searching for the perfect diet, the perfect workout plan, the perfect routine. But perfection doesn’t exist.

? What works? Accept that you’ll mess up sometimes. You’ll skip workouts, eat something “off plan,” or have days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Instead of seeing these moments as failures, recognize them as part of the journey.

Success isn’t about getting everything right all the time—it’s about showing up, learning from mistakes, and keeping at it.

Stop Chasing Approval

If you measure your success by what others think, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short. External validation—whether it’s praise from your boss, likes on social media, or compliments from friends—feels good, but it’s not sustainable.

? What works? Shift your focus inward. Ask yourself:

• Am I proud of the effort I’m putting in?
• Am I making progress in a way that feels good to me?

When you stop seeking outside approval and start trusting yourself, success becomes much more fulfilling.

Use Perfectionism to Your Advantage

Perfectionism isn’t all bad—it just needs to be managed. Instead of trying to be perfect at everything, focus on one area at a time.

? What works? Choose something specific to improve. Maybe it’s mastering a new skill, staying consistent with a habit, or completing a meaningful project. When you take things step by step, progress feels rewarding instead of overwhelming.

Think Long-Term

Self-discipline isn’t about forcing yourself to follow rules—it’s about keeping your eye on the bigger picture. The most successful people know that short-term discomfort leads to long-term rewards.

? What works? Before you dive into a task, ask yourself:

• Will this help me grow in the long run?
• Is this aligned with the future I want for myself?

If the answer is yes, it’s worth sticking with, even when it’s hard. If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate.

Remember, success isn’t instant. The best things in life take time, patience, and persistence.

Stop Making Excuses

We all do it. I’m too tired. I don’t have time. I’ll start tomorrow. Excuses feel valid in the moment, but they’re just roadblocks we put in our own way.

? What works? Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Instead of saying:
❌ I don’t have time to work out. → Try: I’ll find 15 minutes today to move my body.
❌ I’m too tired to work on my goals. → Try: I’ll do one small thing today, even if it’s just five minutes.

Small shifts in mindset can make a huge difference in your actions.

Final Thoughts

Success isn’t about never failing—it’s about learning, adjusting, and moving forward. If you wait for the perfect moment or the perfect plan, you’ll stay stuck.

Instead, focus on progress over perfection. Be patient with yourself. Trust the process. And most importantly—enjoy the journey.

You’ve got this. ?