Excellence vs. Perfectionism: One Will Make You Thrive, the Other Will Break You

Let’s talk about perfectionism—the anxiety-drenched control freak dressed up as ambition.

You know the voice.

The one that tells you your work isn't good enough, your body isn't lean enough, your email isn't polished enough, and your entire existence might be a typo.

Yeah, that one.

It disguises itself as “high standards” or “just wanting to do things right.”

But if you're constantly exhausted, procrastinating out of fear, and holding your breath until everything is flawless… babe, that’s not excellence.

That’s perfectionism in a sparkly blazer.

Let’s break down the difference. Like, actually break it down.

🚨 Perfectionism: The Hustle Culture Gremlin

Perfectionism says:

• “You’re only worthy if you never mess up.”

• “People will judge you if it’s not flawless.”

• “One typo = public disgrace = you’re living in a van down by the river.”

  
  

It’s fear dressed as discipline.

It’s anxiety masquerading as ambition.

And the worst part? It makes you believe that anything less than perfect is failure.

Spoiler alert: It’s a liar. 

And it’s keeping you small.

🌟 Excellence: The Grown-Ass Queen Energy

Excellence, on the other hand, is rooted in:

• Intention

• Integrity

• Progress over perfection

  
  

Excellence says:

• “Let’s give this our best shot today.”

• “We can refine it later.”

• “Done is better than perfect.”

• “Let’s grow from feedback instead of spiraling from it.”

  
  

Excellence is sustainable.

Perfectionism is not.

Excellence expands you.

Perfectionism shrinks you.

Excellence feels like empowerment.

Perfectionism feels like anxiety in Spanx.

💀 Real Talk: Perfectionism Will Ruin Your Life

Let’s be blunt. Perfectionism leads to:

• Chronic burnout

• Procrastination (aka productivity’s evil twin)

• Panic over harmless emails

• Never launching the thing you actually care about

• Self-worth tied to achievement (oof)

  
  

You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

You need to be real, brave, and willing to show up messy.

🎯 Let’s Flip the Script

Here’s how to shift from perfectionism to excellence (without having a breakdown in the process):

1. Catch the Inner Critic in the Act

Name it. Call it out. Give it a ridiculous name like “Debbie Doom” or “Gary the Gremlin.” This breaks the spell.

2. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Wins

Finished something 80%? That’s progress. You showed up. That counts.

3. Set Boundaries with Your Expectations

Not everything needs to be a masterpiece. Some stuff just needs to get done.

4. Release the “All or Nothing” Trap

You don’t need to do everything to do something. Baby steps still count. So does B+ work.

5. Ask: Would I Expect This of Someone I Love?

If you wouldn’t demand perfection from your best friend or your dog, why do you demand it from yourself?

💖 A Final Note from a Fellow Recovering Perfectionist

Listen, I know how easy it is to get addicted to gold stars, to feel like your worth is measured in to-do lists and approval ratings.

But you weren’t put on this planet to perform your life. You’re here to live it.

Excellence says: Show up. Try your best. Learn. Grow. Let it be enough.

Perfectionism? It’s just fear in high heels.

So ditch the pressure, post the thing, send the email, speak up, rest, eat the damn cookie.

Let it be imperfect—and let that be perfect.

🔁 Now What?

If this post hit home, share it with your high-achieving friends.

You know, the ones who "totally don't have control issues" but rewrite the same text 47 times before sending it.

Comment below:What’s one thing you’re going to do imperfectly on purpose this week?

Let’s celebrate the messy magic together.

🩶

Sarah