Dear GRL- The Perfectionism Trap: Why "Good Enough" is Actually Great

Hey GRL,

So, the presentation slides weren't pixel-perfect. The email had a minor typo. The dinner was store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of homemade roast. And yet, the project succeeded, the message was clear, and the family was fed and happy.

So why did I spend three hours agonizing over what should have taken thirty minutes?

Research from Dr. Brené Brown's work on perfectionism reveals a startling truth: perfectionism isn't about excellence—it's about fear. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of not being enough. And it's sabotaging our success more than any actual mistake ever could.

The "good enough" principle isn't about lowering standards—it's about strategic excellence. When we perfectionist-proof our daily decisions, we free up mental energy for what truly matters. That presentation that was 85% polished but delivered with confidence? It landed the contract. The email with the tiny typo? It sparked the collaboration that changed everything.

The Science of Strategic Imperfection

Psychologist Dr. Alice Boyes found that perfectionists actually achieve less than their "good enough" counterparts because they get stuck in preparation mode. While perfectionists are perfecting slide 3 for the fifteenth time, pragmatists are already implementing solutions and gathering real-world feedback.

Here's your permission slip to be strategically imperfect:

The 80% Rule: When something reaches 80% of your vision, ship it. The final 20% rarely adds value equal to the time investment.

Time-box decisions: Give yourself a set amount of time for tasks that could theoretically be endless (like wordsmithing an email). When the timer goes off, you're done.

Embrace the rough draft life: First attempts are meant to be imperfect. They're data, not final products.

Your worth isn't measured in flawless execution—it's built in consistent action, authentic connection, and the courage to show up even when you're not ready.