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I hesitated before hitting send on this email. Not because I didn’t want to share with you—but because I wanted it to be perfect. Maybe you can relate?
In this month’s video, I share a moment when perfectionism stopped me in my tracks—and how I finally broke through. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to have everything just right before moving forward, this one is for you.
Go ahead, watch it. Then come back here—we have a lot to unpack.
When Perfection Became My Excuse
This month, I was working on my strategic plans for 2025. Part of the plan involved this newsletter—a way for me to share my journey building something big, something that mattered to me. I spent hours creating a plan, tweaking it, rearranging sentences, second-guessing my choices, and convincing myself that it wasn’t ready. Each time I thought about sharing it, my mind whispered:
❌ It’s not polished enough.
❌ What if people don't like it?
❌ What if I fail—publicly?
I was stuck in a loop of over-editing, overthinking, and ultimately… inaction.
Then I had to have a pep talk with myself so I could look at the truth of my inaction:
- I wasn’t waiting for it to be perfect.
- I was using perfection as an excuse not to start.
That realization hit me hard. How many times have I watched opportunities slip away because I was waiting to be “ready”?
In Stop Waiting for Perfect, L’Oreal Thompson Payton emphasizes the power of experimentation over hesitation—put it out there, learn as you go. That message struck a chord. Growth comes from trying, not waiting.
So tonight, I made a decision—I released it. Imperfect, unfinished, and open to adjustments along the way.
And guess what? Nothing crumbled. Instead, I feel lighter, accountable, and reminded that version one is always better than version none.
Three Lessons for You (And Me)
1️⃣️ Mastering Mindset: Perfection is a Disguise for Fear
We say we want things to be “just right” before we launch, speak up, or take action—but often, that’s just fear dressed up in a fancy outfit. What if instead of waiting to feel 100% ready, we embraced progress over perfection?
2️⃣️Building Boundaries: Done is Better Than Perfect
As Black women, we are conditioned to overperform just to prove we belong. But done is better than perfect because perfectionism keeps us small. And our 80% is someone else's 110%—we are more than enough. Release the need for things to be flawless before you move.
3️⃣️Fueling Forward: Take One Imperfect Action This Week
This week, choose one thing you’ve been overthinking—and just start. Maybe it’s a tough conversation, an email, a new project, or even resting without guilt. Whatever it is, take the first step—before you feel ready.
A Question for You…
When was the last time perfectionism held you back?
Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear your story.
And if this message resonated, send it to another Black woman leader who needs this reminder. We’re in this together.
Until next month,
Michelle
(P.S. If you’re looking for a community of women who are choosing rest, progress, and alignment over burnout, come join us here)
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