Progress Over Perfection: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back

“Done is better than perfect,” says Sheryl Sandberg, and those five words carry a critical lesson for anyone who struggles with perfectionism. Often, the drive to get everything exactly right prevents us from making any meaningful progress. We wait, tweak, and obsess over every detail, convinced that the perfect version is just out of reach. But while we wait for perfection, we miss out on opportunities to move forward and grow.

Winston Churchill’s famous line, “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” highlights this same truth. Perfectionism can feel like a noble pursuit, but in reality, it often stifles action and leaves us stuck in place. Real growth doesn’t come from flawless execution; it comes from consistent, intentional effort.

The Perfectionism Trap

Perfectionism creates a mental trap. When we believe only perfect outcomes are worth pursuing, we hesitate to act unless conditions are ideal. Whether it’s starting a new project, building a habit, or pursuing a personal goal, the fear of imperfection keeps us in a cycle of overthinking and procrastination.

Consider someone who wants to write a book. They spend months fine-tuning the first chapter, rewriting and second-guessing every sentence. Meanwhile, someone else writes one imperfect chapter after another, slowly building momentum. By the time the perfectionist has barely started, the second person has a completed draft they can refine.

The truth is, progress rarely looks perfect. It’s messy, uneven, and full of mistakes. But those imperfections are part of the process. Each step forward teaches us something new, and over time, those lessons compound into meaningful improvement.

How Systems Combat Perfectionism

One way to break free from the perfectionism trap is to adopt a systems mindset. A system isn’t about getting everything right all the time—it’s about showing up and taking consistent action.

For example, if you want to improve your health, don’t wait to find the perfect workout plan or meal prep strategy. Instead, create a system that focuses on small, achievable actions. Go for a daily 15-minute walk or add one vegetable to your plate at each meal. These steps may not seem perfect, but they add up over time, creating progress without the pressure of perfection.

Systems work because they focus on the process rather than the outcome. Instead of worrying about whether today’s effort measures up to an impossible standard, you simply follow the system. This approach removes the mental blocks perfectionism creates, making it easier to stay consistent and keep moving forward.

The Power of Imperfect Action

The beauty of prioritizing progress over perfection is that it builds momentum. Each small action, no matter how imperfect, moves you closer to your goals. When you stop holding yourself to impossible standards, you free yourself to take action, learn, and grow.

So the next time you catch yourself hesitating because something isn’t perfect, remember: Done is better than perfect, and progress will always outshine perfection. Take the first step—however small—and trust that the path to success is paved with imperfect action. Over time, you’ll look back and realize how far those small, imperfect steps have taken you.