Progress Over Perfection: How Perfectionism Stops You Reaching Your Goals

It’s easy to feel like we’re falling short in a world that often glorifies perfection. Whether at work, at home, or even in the pursuit of personal growth, the pressure to “get it right” can be paralysing.

But here’s the truth: perfection is a mirage.

It’s not only (basically) unattainable but it is also counterproductive. Real growth, fulfilment, and success come from focusing on progress over perfection.

Perfectionism, though often seen as a strength, can be limiting. Research in psychology shows that striving for perfection can lead to procrastination, burnout, and even reduced productivity. Brené Brown highlights that perfectionism is often a shield we use to avoid failure or criticism. Ironically, this shield can hold us back from meaningful progress and prevent us from taking the steps leading to growth.

Progress is a Mindset

Rather than aiming for the impossible, we can adopt an iterative mindset that sees growth as an ongoing process of learning, testing, and refining. The world is in constant motion, and humans thrive when they adapt, experiment, and evolve.

Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson introduced the concept of a “learning organisation.” She argues that high-performing teams don’t strive for perfection but for continuous improvement. They value experimentation, celebrate small wins, and treat mistakes as learning opportunities. This mindset doesn’t just drive results—it fosters resilience and innovation.

Done is Better Than Perfect

This isn’t to say we should abandon excellence; quite the opposite. Striving for progress allows us to pursue high standards without becoming stuck. When we focus on what’s achievable today, we build momentum that carries us forward. A project completed at 80% is still 80% further than one that’s never started because we paralysed ourselves with the fear of perfection.

The act of doing—of showing up, trying, and finishing—creates a foundation for the next step. Each iteration brings new insights and the opportunity to refine and grow. Progress isn’t linear, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s human, it’s dynamic, and it’s infinitely more rewarding than chasing perfection.

The Fun of Being Human

Embracing progress over perfection doesn’t just make us more effective; it makes life more enjoyable. When we let go of the fear of getting things wrong, we create space to explore, experiment, and even play. Life becomes a process of discovery rather than a relentless pursuit of an idealised end goal.

As the psychologist Carol Dweck points out in her work on growth mindset, our ability to learn and develop is what makes us uniquely human. Growth is fun. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. And it’s where we find the richest opportunities to connect with ourselves and others.

Shifting the Narrative

So, how can we embrace progress over perfection?

1. Reframe mistakes: Instead of seeing errors as failures, view them as lessons. Ask, “What can I learn from this?”
2. Celebrate small wins: Progress is made one step at a time. Take a moment to recognise what you’ve achieved, no matter how small it feels.
3. Focus on action: Sometimes, the best way forward is to simply start. Action creates clarity, and momentum builds confidence.
4. Embrace iteration: Treat every project, goal, or challenge as a work in progress. You’ll be surprised how much you can improve over time.

Progress over perfection isn’t just a productivity hack; it’s a mindset that frees us to live with more confidence, resilience, and joy. So, the next time you’re tempted to hold back, remember this: done is better than perfect. Progress isn’t about getting it right; it’s about moving forward. And that’s where the magic happens.