Perfectionism is like a treadmill: you keep running, but you’re still stuck in the same place.”
When was the last time you delayed something, waiting for the “perfect” moment? That realization hit me hard during a recent brainstorming session with my colleagues. We were strategizing for an upcoming workshop, and I advocated leveraging LinkedIn for organic marketing. Yet, a nagging question surfaced: Was I walking the talk?
Despite my strong belief in LinkedIn as a goldmine for professionals, my own presence on the platform was lackluster. Fear of criticism, the pressure to craft a flawless strategy, and an already packed schedule held me back. Most of all, my perfectionist tendencies whispered that my posts needed to be just right before they saw the light of day. Sound familiar?
At one point, I counted 30 drafted posts sitting in my OneNote—all victims of my quest for perfection. But then, something clicked. I realized perfection was the enemy of progress. That day, I took action. I wrote a post as if I were talking to a friend, gave it a quick polish using Grammarly, snapped a photo, and hit “Post.”
Recognizing the Perfectionist Trap
Perfectionism often holds us hostage, whether it’s LinkedIn, a work project, or personal goals. The drive for perfection can smother creativity and halt progress.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting
The hardest part is simply starting. Embrace imperfection and remind yourself that taking imperfect action is far better than doing nothing at all. Every step forward builds momentum.
Actions You Can Take
- Write Authentically:Speak as if you’re talking to a friend.
- Edit Briefly:Use tools like Grammarly for quick tweaks.
- Post Courageously:Don’t overthink—just hit “Post.”
- Be Persistent:Miss a day? No problem. Just keep going.
The Best Time Is Now
There’s no magic moment to start. Growth happens when you act, embrace imperfection, and keep showing up. Today, take that leap—and when you do, let me know. Let’s cheer each other on in this journey!
