Forget perfect.

The Freedom to Thrive

Perfectionism often hides behind the mask of high standards and ambition. It convinces us that flawless work is the path to success. In reality, it can quietly undermine our performance, strain our mental health, and keep our nervous systems locked in overdrive. Letting go of perfection isn’t about lowering the bar it’s about choosing progress, balance, and long-term excellence.

When “Perfect” Starts Holding You Back

Perfectionism becomes a problem when it shifts from healthy motivation to an exhausting pursuit of flawlessness.

• A multi-decade study that included Canadian participants found all three dimensions of perfectionism self-imposed, socially driven, and other-directed have increased significantly since the late 1980s.

• In Quebec, a study of post-secondary students found that more than a quarter experienced moderate to severe anxiety, with higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism strongly linked to greater anxiety.

• Canadian researchers have noted that perfectionism now appears to be a growing factor in stress-related mental health challenges, including depression, burnout, and chronic anxiety.

The takeaway: perfectionism is on the rise and it’s not making us better, just more stressed.

The Nervous System Toll

Constantly chasing perfection keeps the body in a heightened state of alert. That drive for flawlessness can:

• Increase heart rate and blood pressure

• Elevate stress hormones like cortisol

• Disrupt sleep and recovery

Over time, this persistent stress can impair memory, focus, and problem-solving ironically eroding the very performance perfectionists are trying to protect.

The Link to Anxiety and Burnout

Research shows perfectionistic concerns especially fear of making mistakes are more strongly tied to anxiety and burnout than perfectionistic striving. In workplace studies, Canadian employees with high maladaptive perfectionism reported: lower resilience under pressure, more difficulty completing tasks efficiently and greater emotional exhaustion. Sometimes burnout doesn’t always come from working hard alone it comes from never feeling like the work is enough.

The Benefits of Letting Go

Releasing perfection isn’t the end of quality it’s the beginning of better, more sustainable work.

1. Improved performance
   Moving away from perfection frees mental space for creativity, problem-solving, and timely decision-making.

2. Healthier nervous system
   Reducing rumination and self-criticism allows the body to return to a calmer, more balanced state.

3. Less anxiety and burnout
   Without the weight of constant self-judgment, energy can be channeled toward meaningful action and genuine rest.

4. Greater adaptability
   Mistakes become learning tools instead of failures, making it easier to pivot and adjust.

Practical Ways to Let Go of Perfection

• Recognize the inner critic. When that voice demands flawless results, reframe: “Done is better than perfect.”

• Match effort to importance. Some projects need 100%, others just need to be complete and functional.

• Use short action bursts. Start with five minutes momentum often beats hesitation.

• Take intentional pauses. A deep breath or brief walk can regulate your stress response before a big task.

• Share work in progress. Early feedback prevents overworking something in isolation.

The Bottom Line

Perfectionism might feel like a badge of honour, but its long-term effects can be costly. By loosening the grip of “perfect,” you create space for innovation, healthier performance, and a nervous system that can sustain you for the long run. In letting go, you don’t lose your edge you sharpen it, you allow yourself to Thrive.