Perfectionism Holding You Back? Here’s How to Move Forward

Let’s talk about something that’s probably slowing you down, even if you don’t realize it: perfectionism.

If you’ve ever found yourself rewriting the same email over and over, endlessly tweaking a social media post, or holding back on launching your offer because it’s “not quite ready,” you’re not alone.

Perfectionism can feel like a good thing – I mean, who doesn’t want to put out their best work? But when it keeps you stuck in a loop of revisions and second-guessing, it’s not helping. It’s actually holding you back.

In fact, perfectionism is one of the most common reasons entrepreneurs lose momentum. And when you lose momentum, progress slows to a crawl. Big ideas stay on the shelf. And the growth you’re working so hard to achieve feels further and further away.

The good news? You can overcome it. But first, let’s look at specific ways perfectionism is hurting your business.

5 Ways Perfectionism is Hurting Your Business

Perfectionism isn’t a personality trait. It’s a mindset that can quietly sabotage your progress. Here’s how:

1. It Delays Action

When you’re stuck trying to make something “perfect,” you can spend hours – or days – on details that don’t really matter. You tell yourself, “It’s not ready yet,” and push deadlines further and further out.

But here’s the truth: “Done” is often better than “perfect.” A sales page that’s 90% finished can still bring in sales. A course that launches with a few tweaks to make later can still change lives.

Perfectionism keeps you busy, but it doesn’t move you forward.

2. It Creates Decision Paralysis

Perfectionism can make even small decisions feel overwhelming. Should you use this font or that one? Is the wording in your email catchy enough? What if someone doesn’t like it?

I admit, I’m guilty of this a LOT. Even just deciding what to order at a restaurant can feel overwhelming.

When every choice feels like it carries too much weight, it’s easy to overthink and overanalyze. Instead of making progress, you stay stuck in limbo.

3. It Keeps You From Getting Feedback

One of the fastest ways to improve is by sharing your work, seeing how people respond, and making adjustments. But when you wait until something feels perfect, you miss out on valuable input that could make your work better – and more aligned with what your audience actually needs.

The truth is, perfection isn’t something you can achieve in isolation. It’s something you create over time, with real-world feedback.

4. It Drains Your Energy

Trying to meet impossibly high standards is frustrating and exhausting. Perfectionism can leave you feeling stuck, burned out, and mentally drained. And when you’re drained, it’s harder to show up consistently.

Consistency matters far more than perfection when it comes to building a business that lasts.

How to Let Go of Perfectionism and Make Forward Momentum

So, how do you move past perfectionism? It’s not always easy (especially if you’ve been holding onto it for a long time), but with a few small shifts, you can start to break the cycle.

Use the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule means that 80% of results come from just 20% of the effort. In other words, most of what you’re stressing over probably won’t make a big difference in the end.

Ask yourself, “Is this 80% good enough?” If the answer is yes, it’s time to move forward.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Instead of trying to get everything “just right,” remind yourself that progress is what really matters.

A messy first draft is better than no draft at all. A course with a few imperfections can still change lives. And an Instagram post with an imperfect caption can still connect with your audience.

Think of your work as something you can refine over time, not something that has to be flawless from the start.

Set Time Limits

Perfectionism tends to take over when you don’t set clear boundaries. To avoid this, give yourself a time limit. For example, you might say:

• “I’ll spend one hour on this email, then send it no matter what.”

• “I’ll spend three days on this project, then launch it even if I want to tweak it more.”

Having a deadline forces you to finish instead of endlessly revising. Deadlines create accountability and help you keep moving forward, even when your inner perfectionist wants to hold you back.

Think About the Bigger Picture

Ask yourself: Will this tiny detail actually make a big difference in the outcome?

Chances are, the answer is no. Most of the time, the extra effort you spend perfecting something won’t have nearly the impact you think it will. Your audience isn’t looking for perfection – they’re looking for value, authenticity, and connection.

By focusing on what really matters, you’ll free yourself up to spend more time on the things that actually grow your business.

4. Celebrate Your Wins (Even the Imperfect Ones)

Every time you complete something – even if it feels far from perfect – take a moment to acknowledge the progress you’ve made.

Share it with your audience, check it off your to-do list, or just remind yourself that taking action is a win. The more you celebrate progress, the easier it gets to let go of perfectionism.

The Bottom Line

Perfectionism often disguises itself as a desire to do good work, but in reality, it’s just procrastination dressed up in a fancy outfit.

It keeps you busy but stuck. It holds you back from sharing your gifts with the world. And it prevents you from creating the kind of impact you’re here to make.

But when you let go of perfectionism, everything changes. You start building momentum. You start making progress. And you open the door to creativity, growth, and opportunities you couldn’t have imagined before.

Your audience doesn’t need you to be perfect – they just need you to show up. So, take the pressure off yourself. Start before you’re ready. And remember: Done is always better than perfect.