Learning to Let Go of Perfection

Learning to Let Go of Perfection

By Kristina Carrera, LCSW, LAC, DVCS – Anchor of Peace

I want to share something that might help if you ever feel trapped by trying to do everything perfectly. Perfectionism can make life feel heavy and stressful, but there are some simple skills you can practice that make a big difference.

One skill is noticing your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking you have to do everything perfectly, take a breath and ask if that thought is really helping you. Often it isn’t. Simply noticing it can help you step back and choose a different way to respond.

Another skill is setting realistic goals. Instead of aiming for perfection, try aiming for progress. Break big tasks into smaller steps and celebrate finishing each one. That feeling of accomplishment builds confidence without the pressure to be flawless.

A third skill is self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend. When you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, remind yourself that mistakes are part of learning and growing.

You can also practice trying things even if they might not turn out perfectly. Start small. Maybe it’s sharing an idea at work, writing a post, or cooking a new recipe. Each time you allow yourself to be imperfect, you train yourself to feel okay with being human.

Finally, take a moment to reflect on what really matters. Perfectionism can make us focus on every tiny detail, but sometimes the bigger picture is what counts. Are you enjoying your relationships, your work, or your day-to-day life? Skills like noticing your thoughts, setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, and trying things imperfectly can help you focus on what matters most.

Letting go of perfectionism isn’t about giving up on doing your best. It’s about giving yourself the tools to live with more ease and joy. You can do this and still achieve great things while feeling lighter along the way.

Written 9/28/2025