3 Things I Wish I Had Known Earlier
From Perfection to Progress
I used to chase perfection in everything I did, believing that if I (or the project) wasn’t perfect, I (or the project) wasn’t enough. Perfection consumed my energy, my time, and my sense of self-worth.
Now, I understand the value of embracing progress over perfection. I’ve found more peace and fulfillment in allowing myself to grow rather than obsessing over being flawless.
These are 3 things I wish I had known earlier:
Lesson #1: Progress Matters More Than Perfection
I used to believe that success was only for the perfect... the ones who never made mistakes. But that’s not true.
It took me years of burnout and chasing unattainable goals to realize that taking any action (albeit imperfect) was more important than waiting for the perfect moment.
Perfection is a myth that keeps you stuck. When I embraced progress instead of perfection, I learned to take risks, grow through challenges, and move forward!
Lesson #2: Rest Is Productive and Imperative
If you don’t take the time to recharge and heal through rest, this happens:
You overwork yourself, believing that pushing through is the only way forward. There’s no time to stop, no room to pause, because there’s just too much to do.
Your motivation wanes as the exhaustion creeps in. What once inspired you now feels like a burden. You’re running on fumes, hoping sheer willpower will carry you through.
Then, you hit a wall. Your body and mind simply say, “Enough!” It’s not something to recover from easily.
That’s why it’s imperative to understand that rest is not the opposite of productivity, it’s an essential part of productivity and what makes productivity sustainable. You cannot pour from an empty cup. When I prioritized intentional downtime, I became more focused, creative, and effective in everything I did. And happy! I love a good nap.
Lesson #3: Self-Worth Comes from Within
Self-worth is like a well. You must fill it from the inside. I used to expect validation for achievements and from others’ opinions, but the feeling of satisfaction from it always dissipated quickly. It was a fleeting high, leaving me chasing the next dopamine hit to feel worthy again.
I learned to value myself for who I am, not just what I do. It helped me set boundaries, say “no” when needed, and live a life aligned with my values.
If you want to feel fulfilled and authentic, stop outsourcing your self-worth.
After I learned these 3 lessons, my life changed from chasing external validation and burning myself out to living with intention, peace, and self-compassion.
Forget the nightmare:
Take action without fear of imperfection.
Rest guilt-free and feel energized.
Trust your worth without the need for anyone else’s approval.
And that’s how you can turn your chaos into clarity and finally step into the life you deserve.