Why perfectionism is holding you back and how to overcome it.

 In high-achieving workplaces, especially here in Australia, the pressure to be perfect often shows up unconsciously. In overthinking a conversation, obsessing over every slide in a presentation, or avoiding a task because you don’t feel 100% ready. We’re surrounded by images of success, often portrayed as a flawless rise to the top. But what if that relentless pursuit of perfection is actually holding you back and impacting your wellbeing?

We see this all the time. Talented professionals who are driven, capable and exhausted. Not because they’re not good at their jobs, but because they’re chasing an impossible ideal. Letting go of perfect isn’t giving up. It’s a powerful shift toward progress, wellbeing, and more sustainable success.

The hidden costs of perfectionism at work.

Perfection looks good on paper. But in the real world? It’s exhausting. You chase it, tweak endlessly, and still feel behind. You’re told it’s the key to career success but perfection is a moving target. The closer you get, the further it gets. Think about it: how often have you hesitated to hit ‘send’ or held back in a meeting because your idea didn’t feel fully formed?

The truth is, perfectionism has a cost.

• It fuels procrastination — the fear of getting it wrong stops us before we start.
• It breeds self-doubt — we compare ourselves to impossible standards.
• It steals our joy — we fixate on flaws and miss accomplishments.

And over time? It can burn you out. You stop enjoying your work and start questioning your ability to grow. 

Perfectionism isn’t about high standards, it’s about fear of failure.

How to shift your mindset. 

We talk about “progress over perfection” a lot in our training but what does it look like in practice? It’s not about lowering your standards. It’s about shifting where you place your attention: from flawless results to consistent effort. 

Here are five practical tips to let go of perfectionism and build a more sustainable mindset:

• Set expectations you can actually meet: Instead of trying to do everything, focus on the few things that matter most. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps 

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when things don't go as planned. Recognise that everyone makes mistakes.
• Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Acknowledge how far you’ve come, rather than dwelling on how far you have to go.
• Embrace imperfection: Accept that things won't always be perfect, and that's okay. Learn to let go of the need for control and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
• Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, colleague, or mental health professional about your struggles with perfectionism. Sharing your experiences can be incredibly liberating.

Letting go of perfectionism isn’t about being careless or complacent. It’s about mental flexibility, the ability to adapt, recover and keep showing up when things don’t go to plan. Because sustainable success isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about having the mindset, tools, and support to navigate and perform everyday. By letting go of the need to be perfect, you can live more authentically, creatively, and joyfully. 

Learn more about Ashley's Overcoming Imposter Syndrome workshop.