Progress over Perfection
Feeling Stuck?
Do you ever feel stuck, as if you can’t move forward until you’ve figured everything out perfectly?
If so, you’re not alone. Many of us wrestle with the silent, exhausting pressure to get it “right” the first time (or all the time 😫) in many areas of our lives. This pressure often comes from cultural intersubjective narratives—spoken and unspoken—that tell us success should be swift, flawless, and obvious.
But what if these stories about instant perfection aren’t serving us?
How we negatively impact our mental health
Many people struggle to take meaningful action toward their goals, even when they deeply want to change. As a therapist, I witness (and have experienced 🙋🏽♂️) how feeling stuck can lead to frustration, self-blame, and distress. Recognizing what causes this paralysis is the first step toward lasting change.
💡 Important Note: Not every item on the list will apply to you, while some will. Reflectively consider the below items and notate what speaks to your experience in life at this time.
Believing success must be instant
Creates chronic stress and anxiety from impossible standards
Triggers procrastination or paralysis out of fear of imperfection
Leads to shame and disappointment when setbacks happen
Comparing ourselves to others “highlight reels”
Lowers self-worth through constant social comparisons
Contributes to depressive feelings when we think we’re falling short
Treating societal beliefs on success as absolute truths
Links imperfection to failure
Fuels chronic self-criticism by internalizing unrealistic expectations
Encourages avoidance out of fear of judgment
The Objective Truth(s)
Research consistently shows us that small, consistent actions are more effective for achieving long-term goals than waiting for perfect conditions or trying to make dramatic, immediate changes.
📈 Small steps lead to big change
Actions that are consistent no matter how small, continually contribute to greater effectiveness over time
💡Implementation intentions boost success
Creating if—then plans increase goal attainment by enhancing cue response links in the brain (i.e IF x happens, THEN I will do Y)
Intentions can nearly double the likelihood of follow through compared to having vague or abstract goals alone
⚡ Behavioral Activation improves mood
Engaging in small, valued activities can reduce depressive and anxious feelings by increasing positive reinforcement and your belief that accomplishment is within reach
Off The Page: Actioning The Insights
Taking a step forward — now
Practical strategy to support you this week
No matter what area of life you’re hoping to grow in—whether it’s your career, relationships, health, or personal goals—these small, practical prompts can help you move forward with intention and clarity.
By shifting your focus from rigid ideas of perfection to your own unique vision and values, you can start to define success in a way that feels meaningful to you. These simple prompts can be applied to just about any situation, helping you see progress on your own terms and build confidence as you take steps toward the life you want.
💡 — As you read through the list below state the answers aloud to yourself or write them down.
Clarify the vision
What is one thing I want more of in my life right now?
Break it down
What is one small action that I could take today that would move me 1% closer to this vision?
Reflect on progress
What steps do I want to take to honor my progress and how it felt to move closer to my vision?
Challenge old beliefs
Am I holding onto unrealistic standards and expectations? Where did I learn then from? What will it take for me to challenge these beliefs?
Celebrate small wins
How will I create recognition for the wins that I accomplish?
Thank You
Thank you for joining me this week! I’m excited to keep sharing insights from my work, research, and personal journey with you.
Did something resonate with you? Curious about applying these strategies in your life? Or know someone who might benefit?
Use the link below to schedule a consultation or forward this newsletter to a friend!
Extras
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Join me in The Library
I have recently published The LIbrary at charanbashir.com. Here you will find a collection of reads that have cultivated inspiration, joy, curiosity, insight, discovery, and self reflection + you can check out my current reads and read along with me.
Explore the Shop
Passionate about wellness? I am currently partnered with two brands that focus on the creation of products to support individual wellness. Navigate the links below to learn more!
Soothing, slightly weighted, pre-shrunk materials that provide comfort and calm as you take on your everyday.
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