Why Perfectionists Have the Lowest Standards?

Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating paradox—how perfectionism, which we often associate with high standards, can actually lead to the lowest outcomes. Perfectionists struggle not because they aim for excellence, but because their fear of failure stops them from even trying. It’s a cycle that stifles innovation, creativity, and growth, both personally and professionally.

But what if we could reframe perfectionism as something less about fear and more about action? What if the pursuit of progress—imperfect, messy, and real—was actually the highest standard of all?

To explore this, we’ve brought together some of the most insightful minds from diverse fields in this imaginary conversation. Each one of them has faced or studied this challenge, and they’re here to share ideas and strategies that can help us overcome the perfectionist trap and move toward true success. Let’s begin.

The Paradox of Perfectionism and Its Hidden Costs

Nick Sasaki:
"Welcome, everyone, to today’s discussion. We’re here to talk about a fascinating idea: the paradox of perfectionism—how chasing flawlessness often leads to mediocrity. To explore this, we have Brené Brown, Seth Godin, and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Let’s dive in with the first point: ‘Perfectionism vs. Excellence.’ Brené, can you start by helping us distinguish between these two concepts?"

Brené Brown:
"Absolutely, Nick. Perfectionism and excellence are often confused, but they’re fundamentally different. Perfectionism is fear-based—it’s about avoiding criticism, failure, or shame. Excellence, on the other hand, is about growth. It’s the willingness to risk vulnerability, to try and fail, and to learn from the process.

The irony is that perfectionism doesn’t lead to excellence—it stifles it. A perfectionist is so paralyzed by the fear of not being perfect that they often don’t even start. Excellence, however, thrives on imperfection because it’s born from courage and practice."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s a powerful distinction, Brené. So, if perfectionism holds us back, Seth, let’s talk about how it manifests creatively. Can you share your thoughts on our second point: ‘Hiding Behind Perfection’?"

Seth Godin:
"Of course, Nick. Perfectionism is a great excuse to avoid doing the hard work of creation. Creators often tell themselves, ‘It’s not ready yet. It’s not perfect.’ But what they’re really saying is, ‘I’m afraid it won’t be good enough.’

The problem is, if you wait for perfect, you’ll wait forever. The creative process is messy, and that’s where the magic happens. Perfectionism is like standing on the edge of a pool, never jumping in because you’re afraid of the splash. But you can’t swim unless you’re in the water. The people who succeed are the ones who dive in, imperfections and all."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a vivid image, Seth. Speaking of diving in, Elizabeth, you’ve often talked about giving yourself permission to be imperfect. How does this connect to ‘Reclaiming Creativity,’ our third point?"

Elizabeth Gilbert:
"Thanks, Nick. Creativity is inherently imperfect. It’s about exploration, experimentation, and, yes, mistakes. When I wrote Eat, Pray, Love, I didn’t know it would resonate with so many people. If I had waited to make it perfect, it never would have been published.

Giving yourself permission to be imperfect is liberating. It’s a way of saying, ‘I am enough, and my work is enough.’ Perfectionism, on the other hand, says, ‘You’ll never be enough.’ Creativity dies under that weight. The key is to focus on the joy of creating, not on some imaginary ideal of perfection."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such an empowering perspective, Elizabeth. Let’s shift to the emotional toll of perfectionism, Brené. Can you expand on our fourth point: ‘The Cost of Perfectionism’?"

Brené Brown:
"Of course, Nick. The cost of perfectionism is high—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Perfectionists often struggle with anxiety, depression, and burnout because they set impossible standards for themselves.

It’s also isolating. When you’re consumed by the need to appear perfect, you lose connection with others. You’re so focused on maintaining an image that you can’t show vulnerability, which is the foundation of true relationships. Perfectionism doesn’t just steal your creativity—it steals your peace of mind and your ability to connect with others authentically."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s a sobering reality, Brené. Finally, let’s look at a more optimistic angle. Seth, can you explain why ‘Progress Outweighs Perfection’ and how this leads to innovation?"

Seth Godin:
"Absolutely, Nick. Innovation doesn’t come from getting it perfect the first time—it comes from iteration. Progress is about showing up consistently, learning from feedback, and improving over time. The best companies, artists, and entrepreneurs succeed not because they’re perfect, but because they’re willing to adapt and grow.

Think about it: the iPhone wasn’t perfect when it launched. Apple released it, learned from its users, and kept improving. That’s what progress looks like. Perfectionists miss out on this because they never launch, and without launching, there’s no learning, no growth, and no innovation."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a valuable insight, Seth. Brené, Seth, Elizabeth—you’ve all shared incredible perspectives on how perfectionism holds us back and how we can overcome it. Before we wrap up, could each of you share one actionable tip for our audience to let go of perfectionism and embrace progress?"

Why Imperfect Action Leads to Greater Success

Nick Sasaki:
"Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re focusing on a concept that every creator and entrepreneur needs to embrace: imperfect action beats perfect inaction. Waiting for perfection often keeps us stuck, while messy first steps lead to real progress. Joining me are Mel Robbins, Steven Pressfield, and Marie Forleo.

Let’s begin with our first point: ‘The First Step.’ Mel, you often talk about the importance of taking immediate action. Can you share your thoughts on why starting before you’re ready is so critical?"

Mel Robbins:
"Thank you, Nick. Starting before you’re ready is everything because the hardest part is getting off the starting line. Perfectionism makes people overthink, and overthinking leads to paralysis.

That’s why I created the 5-Second Rule: the moment you feel the urge to act, count backward—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and move. It sounds simple, but it interrupts your brain’s excuses and pushes you to take action. Imperfect first steps are what create momentum, and momentum is what builds success. The perfect moment doesn’t exist—so start now."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a powerful tool, Mel. Starting is indeed half the battle. Steven, let’s move to our second point: ‘Write Badly, Ship Early.’ You’ve written extensively about overcoming resistance. Why is it important to embrace imperfection when creating?"

Steven Pressfield:
"Great question, Nick. Resistance loves perfectionism because it’s the ultimate excuse to not do the work. If you tell yourself, ‘I’ll write when I’m inspired’ or ‘I’ll release this when it’s perfect,’ you’re giving resistance exactly what it wants.

The truth is, the first draft of anything is terrible, and that’s okay. Creativity is a process of refinement. You can’t improve what doesn’t exist. I always tell writers, ‘Write badly and write now.’ Once you have something on the page, you can shape it into something great. If you wait for perfect, you’ll end up with nothing."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s so true, Steven. Creation is messy, and waiting for perfection only delays the process. Marie, you’ve guided countless entrepreneurs through imperfect beginnings. Can you share your insights on our third point: ‘Feedback as Fuel’?"

Marie Forleo:
"Absolutely, Nick. Feedback is one of the most valuable tools we have, but you can’t get feedback if you don’t put your work out there. When I launched my first online course, it was far from perfect. I cringed at the videos and doubted whether anyone would buy it. But by putting it out there, I learned what worked and what didn’t.

Taking imperfect action allows you to collect real-world data. Your audience will tell you what resonates, and you can refine from there. It’s better to launch something imperfect and improve it than to wait forever for an unattainable ideal."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a practical perspective, Marie. Feedback really is a gift, but we only get it when we act. Let’s move to our fourth point: ‘Breaking the Perfectionist Loop.’ Mel, how can people stop overthinking and start doing?"

Mel Robbins:
"It comes down to recognizing the cost of inaction. Every time you overthink, you’re stealing time and energy from your future self. A tool like the 5-Second Rule is effective because it bypasses the perfectionist’s need to overanalyze. You can also create micro-goals—small, manageable steps that feel less intimidating.

For example, instead of saying, ‘I need to finish this entire project,’ say, ‘I’m going to spend 15 minutes working on this.’ Small actions break the loop of procrastination and build confidence over time."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a helpful strategy, Mel. Breaking it into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming. Steven, let’s round out this conversation with our fifth point: ‘Resistance Loves Perfection.’ How can creators fight back against that inner resistance?"

Steven Pressfield:
"The best way to fight resistance is through discipline. Resistance wants you to wait for inspiration or the perfect moment, but discipline forces you to show up anyway. I have a simple mantra: ‘Do the work.’

Set a schedule, commit to it, and take action regardless of how you feel. Don’t wait for the muse to strike—start working, and the muse will find you. Imperfect action is the enemy of resistance because it keeps you moving forward, and momentum is resistance’s greatest weakness."

Nick Sasaki:
"Thank you, Steven. That’s such a powerful reminder—momentum is everything. Mel, Steven, Marie, your insights today have been incredibly valuable. Before we wrap up, could each of you share one actionable tip to help our audience embrace imperfect action in their daily lives?"

Conquering the Fear That Drives Perfectionism

Nick Sasaki:
"Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re addressing a deeply personal and universal challenge: the fear that fuels perfectionism and how it paralyzes us from taking action. Joining me are Gabby Bernstein, Dr. Carol Dweck, and Dr. Kristin Neff.

Let’s start with our first point: ‘The Emotional Roots of Perfectionism.’ Gabby, you often talk about how fear and shame can hold people back. What’s your perspective on this?"

Gabby Bernstein:
"Thank you, Nick. Perfectionism is often rooted in fear—fear of not being good enough, fear of failure, or fear of rejection. This fear is usually tied to past experiences, where we learned that we had to achieve or perform perfectly to be loved or accepted.

What happens is that perfectionism becomes a shield we use to protect ourselves from criticism. But instead of protecting us, it keeps us stuck. To move past it, we need to recognize that this fear doesn’t define us and start trusting in our inherent worthiness, imperfections and all."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a powerful insight, Gabby. Recognizing fear is the first step to overcoming it. Dr. Dweck, let’s move to our second point: ‘From Fixed to Growth Mindset.’ How can shifting mindsets help people break free from perfectionism?"

Dr. Carol Dweck:
"Great question, Nick. A fixed mindset is at the heart of perfectionism. It’s the belief that your abilities are static and that failing at something means you’re not good enough. This fear of failure makes people avoid challenges altogether.

A growth mindset, on the other hand, views failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. When you embrace a growth mindset, perfection becomes irrelevant because you’re focused on the process, not the outcome. One way to start is by reframing failures as experiments—ask yourself, ‘What can I learn from this?’ instead of ‘Why wasn’t this perfect?’"

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a helpful reframe, Dr. Dweck. Perfectionism thrives in a fixed mindset, but growth unlocks possibilities. Dr. Neff, let’s discuss our third point: ‘The Role of Self-Compassion.’ How does self-compassion help us overcome perfectionism?"

Dr. Kristin Neff:
"Thank you, Nick. Self-compassion is a game-changer when it comes to perfectionism. Perfectionists are often their own harshest critics, constantly judging themselves for not being good enough. This inner dialogue creates a cycle of fear and self-doubt.

Practicing self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. When you make a mistake, instead of beating yourself up, say, ‘It’s okay. Everyone makes mistakes. This is part of learning.’ Self-compassion breaks the fear-driven cycle of perfectionism and helps you feel safe to take risks and try new things."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s so insightful, Dr. Neff. Self-compassion turns mistakes into stepping stones instead of barriers. Gabby, let’s move to our fourth point: ‘Fear of Criticism.’ How can people let go of the need for external validation?"

Gabby Bernstein:
"Great question, Nick. Letting go of external validation starts with realizing that no one else’s opinion defines your worth. We often chase perfection because we’re afraid of being judged, but judgment is just a projection of someone else’s fears.

One practical tool is to create a mantra like, ‘I am enough as I am,’ and repeat it whenever you feel the pull to seek approval. Also, surround yourself with people who celebrate your efforts, not just your achievements. Their support will remind you that you don’t need to be perfect to be valued."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a liberating idea, Gabby. Focusing on internal validation can be transformative. Dr. Neff, let’s close with our fifth point: ‘Why Good Enough is Truly Enough.’ How can people embrace the idea of ‘good enough’ in their daily lives?"

Dr. Kristin Neff:
"It starts with redefining what ‘good enough’ means. For perfectionists, ‘good enough’ feels like failure, but in reality, it’s about balance. It’s about putting in effort without sacrificing your well-being or joy.

A practical exercise is to set realistic goals for yourself. Instead of saying, ‘I need to do this perfectly,’ say, ‘I’ll do my best and let that be enough.’ Celebrate small wins, and remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection. Good enough is not just acceptable—it’s sustainable."

Nick Sasaki:
"Thank you, Dr. Neff. That’s such a practical takeaway—progress and balance are key. Gabby, Dr. Dweck, Dr. Neff, your insights today have been incredibly valuable. Before we wrap up, could each of you share one final actionable tip for breaking free from the fear that fuels perfectionism?"

Shifting from Perfectionism to a Good Enough Mindset

Nick Sasaki:
"Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re exploring how perfectionists can shift to a more pragmatic and sustainable approach by embracing a 'good enough' mindset. This shift isn’t about settling—it’s about focusing on progress, efficiency, and results. Joining me are Tim Ferriss, Simon Sinek, and James Clear.

Let’s start with our first point: ‘The 80/20 Rule in Action.’ Tim, you’ve popularized the idea of doing more with less. Can you explain how Pareto’s Principle can help perfectionists adopt a pragmatic mindset?"

Tim Ferriss:
"Thanks, Nick. The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto’s Principle, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Perfectionists often waste time trying to perfect the remaining 20%, which has little impact on the overall outcome.

To shift to a pragmatic mindset, focus on identifying and maximizing the high-impact actions—the 20% that truly matter. For example, instead of spending hours tweaking a presentation to perfection, focus on nailing the core message. Progress, not perfection, leads to meaningful success."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a practical strategy, Tim—focus on what moves the needle. Simon, let’s move to our second point: ‘Starting with Why.’ How does having a clear purpose help people let go of perfectionism?"

Simon Sinek:
"Great question, Nick. When you start with your ‘Why’—your core purpose—you realize that perfection isn’t the goal. What matters is serving that purpose. Perfectionists often lose sight of the bigger picture because they’re obsessed with the details.

A clear ‘Why’ gives you the clarity to prioritize. You can ask yourself, ‘Does this action align with my purpose, or am I just chasing perfection for its own sake?’ Purpose-driven work isn’t about being flawless—it’s about making an impact."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such an important reminder, Simon. Purpose can anchor us when we’re caught up in the pursuit of perfection. James, let’s discuss our third point: ‘Atomic Habits for Progress.’ How can small, consistent actions help perfectionists break free from their mindset?"

James Clear:
"Thank you, Nick. Perfectionists often feel overwhelmed because they set unrealistic expectations for themselves. They want to achieve big results instantly, and when that doesn’t happen, they give up.

The key is to focus on small, consistent actions. Habits compound over time, and even a 1% improvement each day adds up to massive progress. For example, instead of saying, ‘I need to write a perfect book,’ commit to writing just one sentence a day. Small wins build momentum and help perfectionists focus on progress rather than unattainable perfection."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a great strategy, James—small actions really do add up. Tim, let’s shift to our fourth point: ‘Minimum Viable Effort.’ How can testing and iterating help people embrace a pragmatic mindset?"

Tim Ferriss:
"Nick, the concept of a Minimum Viable Product, or MVP, is a game-changer for perfectionists. The idea is to create a basic version of your project or idea and test it in the real world. This approach forces you to prioritize what’s essential and ignore the fluff.

For example, if you’re launching a course, don’t wait until you’ve perfected every module. Launch a beta version and let real users provide feedback. This approach not only saves time but also ensures you’re building something people actually want. It’s about progress through iteration."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a valuable approach, Tim—focus on what’s necessary and iterate from there. Simon, let’s close with our fifth point: ‘Imperfect Leadership.’ How does embracing flaws make leaders more effective?"

Simon Sinek:
"Great question, Nick. Perfectionism in leadership can be dangerous because it creates an unattainable standard that discourages your team. Imperfect leaders, on the other hand, are relatable. They’re willing to admit mistakes, take feedback, and show vulnerability.

When leaders embrace imperfection, they create a culture of trust and innovation. Their teams feel safe to take risks and learn from failures, which drives growth and creativity. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic and purpose-driven."

Nick Sasaki:
"Thank you, Simon. Authentic leadership and vulnerability are such powerful concepts. Tim, Simon, James, your insights today have been incredible. Before we wrap up, could each of you share one actionable tip for adopting a 'good enough' mindset in daily life?"

Perfect as the Enemy of Done and How to Move Forward

Nick Sasaki:
"Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re exploring why perfection is the enemy of done and how breaking the cycle of procrastination can lead to greater productivity and fulfillment. Joining me are Cal Newport, David Allen, and Sheryl Sandberg.

Let’s begin with our first point: ‘Deep Work, Not Perfect Work.’ Cal, your book Deep Work has redefined productivity for so many. How does focusing on deep work help us overcome the trap of perfectionism?"

Cal Newport:
"Thank you, Nick. The concept of deep work is about focusing on high-value, cognitively demanding tasks without distraction. Perfectionism often drags us into superficial tasks—endlessly tweaking and polishing things that don’t truly matter.

By committing to deep work, you prioritize meaningful progress over superficial perfection. It’s about creating a system where the focus is on producing high-quality work in focused intervals, rather than obsessing over every detail. When you’re immersed in deep work, you’re less likely to get stuck in the cycle of overthinking and procrastination."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such an insightful perspective, Cal. Deep work shifts the focus to what truly matters. David, let’s move to our second point: ‘Getting Things Done with Imperfection.’ How can we complete tasks without being derailed by the need for perfection?"

David Allen:
"Great question, Nick. The key is to break tasks into actionable steps. Perfectionists often procrastinate because they feel overwhelmed by the size or complexity of a project. By breaking it down into smaller, manageable actions, you reduce the mental burden and make it easier to start.

For example, instead of saying, ‘I need to write a perfect report,’ say, ‘I’ll write the introduction today.’ Action creates clarity. Once you start moving, it’s easier to build momentum, and you’ll realize that ‘done’ is often better than ‘perfect.’"

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a practical approach, David. Breaking it down makes even big tasks feel achievable. Sheryl, your mantra ‘Done is better than perfect’ has resonated with so many. Can you expand on this idea as it applies to teams and collaboration?"

Sheryl Sandberg:
"Of course, Nick. Perfectionism in teams can be particularly harmful because it stifles creativity and slows progress. When everyone is afraid to make mistakes, they hesitate to take action, which leads to missed opportunities.

‘Done is better than perfect’ is about encouraging action and collaboration. It’s better to have something finished that can be improved upon than to have nothing at all. As a leader, it’s important to model this mindset—show your team that mistakes are okay and that progress comes from iteration, not perfection."

Nick Sasaki:
"That’s such a valuable point, Sheryl. Let’s move to our fourth point: ‘The Procrastination-Perfectionism Loop.’ Cal, how do we break free from this vicious cycle?"

Cal Newport:
"Nick, the procrastination-perfectionism loop is fueled by fear—fear of failure, fear of criticism, or even fear of starting. The best way to break the cycle is to create structured time blocks for focused work.

When you set aside dedicated time for a task and commit to working on it—regardless of how you feel—you bypass the mental chatter that drives procrastination. Pair this with a willingness to produce imperfect work during these sessions, and you’ll find that momentum quickly replaces hesitation."

Nick Sasaki:
"Structured time blocks sound like a game-changer, Cal. David, let’s finish with our fifth point: ‘Small Wins, Big Momentum.’ How can focusing on small wins help perfectionists move forward?"

David Allen:
"Small wins are incredibly powerful, Nick. When you complete even a tiny task, it creates a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum. This momentum makes it easier to tackle the next task, and before you know it, you’ve made significant progress.

For perfectionists, small wins are a way to escape the all-or-nothing mindset. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and let that energy carry you to the finish line."

Nick Sasaki:
"Thank you, David. Small wins really do build big momentum. Cal, David, Sheryl, your insights today have been incredibly valuable. Before we wrap up, could each of you share one actionable tip for breaking free from the perfectionist mindset and getting things done?"

Short Bios:

Brené Brown
Researcher, author, and speaker known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and overcoming perfectionism.

Seth Godin
Marketing guru, author, and entrepreneur who helps creators embrace imperfection to drive innovation and progress.

Elizabeth Gilbert
Best-selling author and creativity advocate, inspiring people to embrace imperfection and pursue their passions.

Mel Robbins
Motivational speaker and author of The 5 Second Rule, empowering people to take bold, imperfect action.

Steven Pressfield
Acclaimed writer and creativity expert, teaching how to overcome resistance and create through imperfection.

Marie Forleo
Entrepreneur and author of Everything is Figureoutable, guiding people to take imperfect steps toward success.

Gabby Bernstein
Spiritual teacher and author, helping individuals release fear and perfectionism to find inner peace.

Dr. Carol Dweck
Psychologist and author of Mindset, renowned for her work on growth mindset and overcoming fixed beliefs.

Dr. Kristin Neff
Pioneer in self-compassion research, showing how kindness toward oneself can dismantle perfectionism.

Tim Ferriss
Productivity expert and author of The 4-Hour Workweek, advocating for efficiency over perfection.

Simon Sinek
Leadership expert and author of Start with Why, encouraging purpose-driven action over unattainable standards.

James Clear
Author of Atomic Habits, teaching how small, consistent actions lead to big results without perfection.

David Allen
Creator of Getting Things Done, offering practical strategies for productivity without the pressure of perfection.

Sheryl Sandberg
Business leader and author of Lean In, inspiring teams to value progress over perfectionism.

Cal Newport
Author of Deep Work, emphasizing meaningful focus and progress over superficial perfection.