How Perfectionism Holds You Back in Business (and How to Let It Go)

Perfectionism. It’s a word that feels heavy, isn’t it? For so many of us—especially those of us who came into the entrepreneurial world from helping professions like nursing, therapy, or teaching—it’s a constant companion. We feel this pressure to have every detail of our business perfectly polished before we show it to the world. But what if I told you that striving for perfection is not only unnecessary but actually holding you back from the success and freedom you crave?

In today’s blog post, I want to unpack where this need for perfection comes from, how it sneaks into our businesses, and most importantly, what we can do to let it go. You don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. You don’t have to have everything together to make a difference. Let’s dive in.

The Roots of Perfectionism

Perfectionism doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s something we learn, often early in life. For me, it came from growing up in a strict household, attending a rigid Catholic school for 12 years, and eventually working as a nurse in a high-stakes profession where mistakes could mean life or death. Maybe you can relate. Maybe your own perfectionism stems from strict expectations at home, societal pressures, or an environment where mistakes were seen as failures rather than opportunities to grow.

Perfectionism is rooted in fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of not being enough. And those fears get stored deep in our bodies, shaping how we show up—not just in life but in our businesses too.

Why Perfectionism Is So Pervasive in Entrepreneurship

In the age of social media, perfectionism has a shiny new playground. Every time we scroll through Instagram or TikTok, we’re met with highlight reels of other people’s lives and businesses. Their wins. Their polished websites. Their flawlessly curated content. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “If I’m not perfect, nobody will want to work with me.”

But the truth is– social media is a mirage. We don’t see the messy middles, the failures, or the moments of doubt behind the scenes. We only see the successes, and that creates a distorted reality. If you’ve ever found yourself comparing your behind-the-scenes chaos to someone else’s polished feed, know this—you’re not alone. And it’s not serving you.

The Cost of Perfectionism

Perfectionism doesn’t just make us feel bad; it actively holds us back. Here’s how it shows up in our businesses:

• Procrastination: Waiting for everything to be perfect before launching your offer, posting your content, or starting your coaching business.

• Overwhelm: Spending endless hours tweaking details that don’t actually matter to your audience.

• Burnout: Pouring energy into unattainable standards, leaving little room for creativity or joy.

• Missed Opportunities: Saying no to chances because you feel “not ready” yet.

Perfectionism creates a cycle of inaction and self-doubt. It convinces you that you’re not enough, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

How to Break Free from Perfectionism

Letting go of perfectionism isn’t easy—it’s deeply ingrained and often tied to old wounds. But it can be done. Here are some practices to help you move through it:

1. Clean Up Your Social Media Feed

Social media comparison is one of the biggest triggers for perfectionism. Take time to go through your feed and unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel “less than.” If someone’s content inspires you, great! But if it leads to comparison or self-doubt, it’s time to let them go. Protect your energy—it’s a powerful boundary to set for yourself.

2. Practice Somatic Awareness

Perfectionism lives in the body as much as it lives in the mind. When you feel the pressure to be perfect, notice what’s happening in your body. Is your chest tight? Are your shoulders tense? Your body is trying to protect you, but you can work with it to release that tension. Try these practices:

• Movement: Dance, shake out the stress, or go for a walk.
• Breathwork: Take slow, intentional breaths to reset your nervous system.
• Grounding Touch: Place a hand on your heart or belly and affirm, “I am enough exactly as I am.”

3. Rewrite the Story

Journaling can be a powerful tool to reframe perfectionism. Write about the first time you felt the need to be perfect. What happened? How did it feel? What did that version of you need in that moment? Then, give yourself what you needed—whether it’s words of encouragement, forgiveness, or permission to be imperfect.

4. Release the Energy

Sometimes perfectionism comes with a surge of emotional energy that needs to be released. Try these methods:

• Scream into a pillow (yes, really!).
• Write down critical thoughts and safely burn the paper.
• Cry, laugh, or make a sound that feels freeing

5. Create Before You Critique

Perfectionism often stifles creativity. Give yourself permission to create messily. Whether it’s a blog post, social media caption, or new offer, allow yourself to create first without overthinking or self-editing. Remember, done is better than perfect.

6. Connect with Your Inner Child

Perfectionism often stems from old fears of not being enough. Visualize sitting with your younger self—the version of you that first felt the pressure to be perfect. What does that version of you need to hear? Comfort them. Love them. Let them know they’re already enough.

A New Perspective on Imperfection

Your imperfections are what make you human, relatable, and magnetic. When you show up authentically in your business, people feel it. They’re drawn to the realness, the vulnerability, and the humanity that you bring.

The irony is, the more we try to be perfect, the more disconnected we become. But when we embrace our imperfections, we create deeper connections—with ourselves, with our audience, and with our businesses.

Perfectionism is a journey, not a destination. Start small. Pick one practice from this list and try it this week. Notice how it feels to let go of the need to have it all together.

And if you’re ready to explore this deeper, I’d love to support you. Join the waitlist for Vibrant Visibility, my group coaching program where we tackle perfectionism, visibility fears, and business growth in a safe, supportive space.

Or, if you’re not ready to commit, come hang out in my free Facebook group, Visibility & Tech Support for Coaches, where we talk about building heart-centered businesses that honor who you truly are.

Your imperfections are your power. Let them shine. ✨

What’s one area in your business where perfectionism is holding you back? Send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!