Breaking free from the high-end mask of fear that keeps you from being seen.
How many opportunities have you deleted because they weren’t flawless?
Perfectionism is just procrastination in a fancy suit. It is a way to stay hidden while pretending you are working hard. We tell ourselves we are just ‘high achievers,’ but the truth is we are usually just terrified of being judged. If we never finish the project, no one can tell us it isn’t good. If we never post the video, no one can leave a mean comment. It is a defense mechanism that keeps your potential locked in a cage.
Real confidence is the willingness to be seen being bad at something. It is the grit to be a beginner in public. When you wait until everything is perfect, you are missing out on the most important part of the process: the mess. The mess is where you actually learn. The mess is where your unique voice starts to develop. By avoiding it, you are ensuring that you stay mediocre forever.
Try adopting a policy of ‘B-minus’ work for things that don’t need to be perfect. Just get it done. Send the email. Post the draft. Show up to the event in an outfit that is only eighty percent of what you wanted. When the world doesn’t collapse, you will realize that your value isn’t tied to your output. You are allowed to be a work in progress. In fact, that is the only thing any of us actually are.
You have to decouple your identity from your results. This is a core tenet of mental resilience. If you think you are only as good as your latest win, you will be a wreck every time you hit a bump in the road. Confidence is knowing that even if the whole thing flops, your character remains intact. You are still the person who had the guts to try.
Let go of the need to be the best. Just focus on being the one who shows up. The person who is willing to be embarrassed is usually the person who ends up winning in the long run. They have more data, more experience, and more resilience than the person sitting on the sidelines waiting for the stars to align. Perfection is a myth; movement is the only thing that is real.
Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation
Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we’re exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.
Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.
Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities with Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.
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