Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Tina-Schuricht • August 15, 2025

Share this article

Breaking free from perfectionism is difficult.  Period.  Do you know any perfectionists?  Are you one?  In fact, perfectionism is a theme that comes up repeatedly with my coaching clients.   It may masquerade as a noble pursuit (I mean, who wouldn’t want flawless results and impeccable standards, right?). But beneath its polished exterior, it can become a silent saboteur, stifling creativity, causing decision paralysis, and eroding self-worth. It is also a big inhibitor to delegation , which is an important leadership trait.  Overcoming perfectionism isn’t about abandoning excellence; it’s about redefining it through growth, resilience, and purposeful action.

The Root of Perfectionism

At its core, perfectionism stems from fear—fear of failure, judgment, and not measuring up. For many, the pressure to perform begins early: reinforced by achievement culture, comparison, and internalized expectations. While high standards can motivate, perfectionism sets unattainable ideals that leave little room for learning, flexibility, or self-compassion.

Reframe Your Thinking

Start by shifting your mindset from perfection to progress. Excellence is built through iteration, not instant mastery. Embrace the idea that mistakes are valuable feedback, not proof of inadequacy. Try replacing “I must get this right” with “I’m learning as I go.” This subtle reframe opens the door to curiosity and experimentation.

Strategies to Loosen Perfectionism’s Grip

  • Set “good enough” goals : Define success in terms of impact, not flawlessness. Ask, “Does this achieve the purpose?” rather than “Is it perfect?”
  • Use time-boxing : Give yourself a set amount of time to work, then stop. This practice limits over-polishing and helps you trust your instincts.
  • Practice “imperfect action” : Post the blog draft, share the rough prototype, speak up with an idea—not after endless polishing, but as a bold first step.
  • Normalize vulnerability : Share your moments of failure with peers or teams. This builds psychological safety and shows others (and yourself) that imperfection is human.

Cultivate Self-Compassion

One of the most powerful antidotes to perfectionism is self-compassion. Recognize that your worth isn’t tied to output. You’re not a machine—you’re a dynamic, evolving individual. Speak to yourself the way you’d encourage a colleague or friend. That inner kindness becomes fuel for sustained confidence and innovation.

Embrace the Messy Middle

Progress isn’t linear, and transformation isn’t tidy. Real growth happens in the messy middle—where ideas evolve, mistakes are made, and resilience is forged. Celebrate that space. It’s not a detour from greatness; it’s the path to it.

Progress Over Perfection

Breaking free from perfectionism doesn’t mean lowering your standards. It means building a sustainable approach to achievement—one that honors your humanity, fosters creativity, and empowers action. Because when you trade perfection for purpose, you don’t just get things done… you grow. Reach out if you want to learn more about how to let go of your perfectionism and embrace progress instead.

Recent Posts

Arrangement of colorful gourds with a crumpled paper that reads
By Tina-Schuricht November 21, 2025
Gratitude as a leadership practice in the workplace is far more than a fleeting “thank you” scribbled on a sticky note or tacked onto the end of an email. For leaders, genuine gratitude is a powerful tool that shapes culture, boosts morale, and helps teams navigate the inevitable storms of high-stress seasons. When leaders weave […] The post Gratitude as a Leadership Practice appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht November 14, 2025
It is the season of harvesting, not just crops, but harvesting wisdom.  This article is my 50th and this isn’t just a creative milestone—it’s a harvest. Each piece represents a seed planted in service of others: a thought offered, a question posed, a perspective shared. Over time, those seeds have grown into a field of […] The post Harvesting Wisdom – 50 Articles appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht November 12, 2025
In this episode of SuccessYourOwnWay, “Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice”, executive coach and leadership advisor Sadie Wackett shares her journey of redefining success. With 20+ years in global HR leadership, a former CHRO, and as co-founder of Life Intended, Sadie empowers women through self-leadership and intentional living. She reflects on her career and […] The post Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht November 7, 2025
How are you navigating the fog?  As the calendar inches toward its final pages, many leaders find themselves in a peculiar emotional fog. The year’s momentum slows, yet expectations remain high. Revisiting goals, evaluating performance, and the pressure to “finish strong” collides with fatigue, ambiguity, and the quiet whisper of “what’s next?” This season also […] The post Navigating the Fog appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 31, 2025
Unmasking success can feel scary and not just in a creepy, Halloween way.  Halloween is the one day a year we’re encouraged to dress up, play pretend, and step into someone else’s shoes. But what about the other 364 days? As professionals, leaders, and even coaches, we often wear invisible costumes—roles, personas, and expectations that […] The post Unmasking Success appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 29, 2025
Do you have the courage to make bold transitions in your life?  If so check out this episode of Success Your Own Way! From First-Gen Student to Corporate Fellow: A Story of Bold Transitions with Christine Nowakowski In this inspiring episode, Dr. Christine Nowakowski—Corporate Fellow at Cargill and one of General Mills’ most prolific female […] The post A Story of Bold Transitions appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 24, 2025
Mentorship in motion isn’t just a catchy phrase.  The concept of mentorship being in motion refers to the power created by a reciprocal, dynamic, and evolving relationship. Effective mentorship spans generations, career stages, and even industries, forming a web of support, insight, and growth for everyone involved. Mentorship in Motion At its core, mentorship is […] The post Mentorship in Motion: Building Reciprocal Relationships That Last appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 17, 2025
Letting go to lead.  What does that mean for you? Autumn is nature’s quiet invitation to release. As the trees shed their leaves, they remind us that letting go isn’t a loss—it’s a necessary step in renewal. In leadership and life, we often cling to outdated beliefs, roles, or expectations simply because they’ve been with […] The post Letting Go To Lead appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 15, 2025
In this powerful episode of  SuccessYourOwnWay, you’ll meet Maychee Mua, a 2025 Bush Fellow, systems change leader, and first-generation Hmong-Chinese American.  Maychee shares her transformative journey of identity, advocacy, and redefining success. Maychee is navigating cultural duality, discovering her own neurodivergence, pioneering autism policy in Minnesota, and raising neurodivergent children. Maychee’s story is one of […] The post Authenticity, Advocacy, and Ancestral Strength with Maychee Mua appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
By Tina-Schuricht October 10, 2025
Parenting in the Fast Lane.  What does that mean and what does it have to do with coaching? Let me explain.  Parenting is a journey I have been on for over a decade – both enjoying and contemplating how to do it better.  One summer day, I was driving kids to their camps, and it […] The post Parenting in the Fast Lane appeared first on McGinty Coaching.
Show More