For many years, I struggled with perfectionism. I wanted everything I did, both in my personal life and my career, to be flawless. I believed that being perfect was the key to success, happiness, and approval from others. However, what I didn’t realise at the time was that perfectionism was holding me back. It led to stress, frustration, and burnout. The more I tried to do everything perfectly, the more overwhelmed I became.

Through a combination of spiritual principles and sound business practices, I was able to overcome my perfectionism and find a healthier approach to both work and life. This is my journey from perfectionism to progress—and how you can make the same shift.

What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is the belief that everything we do must be without flaw or mistake. While it may sound like a positive trait, it often comes with negative side effects. Perfectionists set impossibly high standards for themselves, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of failure when those standards aren’t met.

In my case, I found myself constantly reworking projects, staying late at work, and feeling frustrated when things didn’t go exactly as planned. I was afraid of making mistakes, and as a result, I delayed decisions and took longer to complete tasks. Over time, I realised that perfectionism wasn’t helping me—it was holding me back.

Recognising the Problem

The first step in addressing my perfectionism was realising it was a problem. I began to notice how often I was procrastinating on important tasks because I was afraid I wouldn’t do them perfectly. I also saw how my need for perfection was affecting my relationships. I would become irritable or frustrated when things didn’t go the way I expected, which caused tension both at work and at home.

I realised that perfectionism wasn’t just about wanting to do my best—it was about fear. I was afraid of making mistakes, of being judged by others, and of not being good enough. Recognising this fear helped me understand that I needed to change my mindset.

The Spiritual Principle of Acceptance

One of the most powerful spiritual principles I learned on my journey was the importance of acceptance. This principle teaches us to accept ourselves and others as we are, without trying to change or control everything around us. For a perfectionist, this can be a difficult concept to grasp. However, learning to accept imperfection was key to my growth.

I began by practising self-compassion. Instead of criticising myself for making mistakes, I started to accept that I’m human and that mistakes are part of the learning process. I also started to let go of the need for control. I realised that I couldn’t control everything in my life, and that’s okay.

Through acceptance, I learned that I didn’t need to be perfect to be successful or loved. I just needed to do my best and trust that things would unfold as they were meant to.

Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection

Another important lesson I learned was to focus on progress, not perfection. In business, we often hear the phrase “done is better than perfect.” This was a tough lesson for me, but an essential one. I had to shift my mindset from trying to get everything perfect to making steady progress toward my goals.

I started setting realistic expectations for myself. Instead of aiming for perfection, I aimed to do my best with the time and resources I had available. This change allowed me to get more done and to feel more satisfied with my work. By focusing on progress, I was able to move forward rather than getting stuck in the endless cycle of perfectionism.

The Business Principle of Delegation

In business, one of the most effective strategies for overcoming perfectionism is delegation. As a perfectionist, I often felt like I had to do everything myself to ensure it was done right. But this approach led to burnout and frustration. I was overloading myself with tasks that could have been handled by others.

I began to delegate tasks to team members, trusting them to complete the work without my constant oversight. At first, this was difficult, but over time, I saw the benefits. Not only did it free up my time, but it also allowed my team to take ownership of their work and grow in their roles.

Delegation is a crucial business skill. It requires trust in others and the ability to let go of the need for control. By learning to delegate, I became a more effective leader and found more balance in my work.

Letting Go of the Need for Approval

Perfectionists often seek external validation. I realised that much of my perfectionism came from wanting approval from others—whether it was from colleagues, clients, or even friends and family. I believed that if everything I did was perfect, people would see me as successful and capable.

However, I learned that seeking approval from others is a never-ending cycle. No matter how hard we try, we can’t please everyone. Instead of focusing on what others thought of me, I started to focus on what was important to me. I asked myself, “Am I happy with my work? Am I proud of what I’ve accomplished?”

Letting go of the need for approval allowed me to focus on what really mattered. It helped me build confidence in myself and my abilities, without relying on others for validation.

Embracing Flexibility and Flow

A key part of overcoming perfectionism is learning to be flexible. In both life and business, things don’t always go as planned. I used to become frustrated when things didn’t go perfectly according to my plan, but I learned to embrace flexibility and go with the flow.

One spiritual principle that helped me was the idea of being like water—able to adapt to whatever circumstances arise. Instead of resisting change or getting upset when things didn’t go my way, I learned to adjust and move forward. This made me more resilient and less stressed when challenges came up.

In business, being flexible is essential. The ability to pivot and adapt to new situations is often what separates successful leaders from those who get stuck. By embracing flexibility, I was able to approach challenges with a clearer mind and a more open heart.

Creating a Balance Between Excellence and Ease

While overcoming perfectionism doesn’t mean giving up on doing great work, it does mean finding a balance between excellence and ease. I learned that it’s possible to strive for excellence without putting unrealistic pressure on myself to be perfect.

I now approach my work with a sense of ease. I aim to do my best but without the anxiety and stress that perfectionism used to bring. By releasing the pressure to be perfect, I’ve found that I’m more creative, productive, and satisfied with the work I do.

This balance has not only improved my work but also my wellbeing. I feel more at peace, both in my personal life and in my career.

Conclusion: The Journey from Perfectionism to Progress

Overcoming perfectionism has been a journey, but it has transformed both my personal and professional life. By applying spiritual principles like acceptance, self-compassion, and flexibility, along with good business practices like delegation and focusing on progress, I was able to break free from the trap of trying to “do it all” perfectly.

Today, I am more focused on growth, learning, and enjoying the process rather than striving for unattainable perfection. If you’re struggling with perfectionism, know that it’s possible to let go of those pressures and find a more balanced, fulfilling way of living and working. Remember, progress is always better than perfection.