Perfectionism is Just Procrastination in a Fancy Outfit

Let’s talk about perfectionism. You know, that little voice in your head that says, “If you can’t do it perfectly, don’t do it at all.” Perfectionism likes to pretend it’s about high standards, but honestly? It’s just procrastination in a fancier outfit.

Perfectionism can snag you, causing even more stress.

The Perfectionism-Procrastination Loop

Here’s how it works:

1. You set an impossibly high standard.

2. You stress about meeting that standard.

3. You avoid starting because you’re scared of failing.

4. You feel guilty for not starting.

5. Rinse and repeat.

It’s like trying to clean your whole house, realizing how overwhelming it is, and then deciding to just sit on the couch and scroll TikTok instead. (No judgment, we totally get it.)

Perfectionism will tell you lies that FEEL true!

Perfectionism’s Favorite Tricks (and How to Outsmart Them)

1. “If it’s not perfect, it’s worthless.”

Perfectionism is an all-or-nothing game—and it’s rigged against you. If the only acceptable outcome is perfection, you’re setting yourself up to fail before you even begin.

How to outsmart it: Focus on progress, not perfection. A B+ effort still counts. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough. Forward movement, at just the pace you need, is key!

2. “I just need to feel ready.”

Spoiler: You’ll likely rarely feel 100% ready. Waiting for the perfect moment is just another way of avoiding discomfort. Remember, it's the feeling associated with the thing that we avoid, not the thing itself.

How to outsmart it: Start messy. Start scared. Starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all. This isn't a reflection of who you are as a person, it's just a reflection of the process. Let's normalize the messy! That's where creativity is birthed!

3. “If I make a mistake, people will think I’m incompetent.”

Listen, nobody’s walking around with a clipboard keeping score of your failures. If they are, they need a new hobby. This is likely an old message stemming from childhood. It's time to step into a new way of thinking, a healthier way of navigating what we need to accomplish.

How to outsmart it: Normalize mistakes. It's where we stretch, learn, and grow! Every successful person you admire has failed—a lot. The difference is they kept going. Never give up, you are worth the work!

It's time to normalize the messy and be authentically you!

Breaking Up with Perfectionism

Here’s the truth: perfectionism isn’t protecting you—it’s holding you back. Growth comes from showing up consistently, not flawlessly. This will breed trust in yourself, confidence, and the freedom from Unrelenting Standards.

So, put down the mental clipboard, give yourself permission to be human, and start before you’re ready. Just take the next step. Let us be messy, creative, and own it!

And if perfectionism continues to get in your way?

Therapy can help you figure out where it’s coming from and how to quiet that inner critic. Reach out—we’ve got you. Because showing up imperfectly allows you to show up authentically, and the world needs you just as you are!

Connect with us today: info@creativenwa.com.