Courage Over Perfection
Why Taking Action Matters More Than Getting It Right
Are you holding back on a dream because you’re waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect version of yourself?
Here’s the truth:
Talent and intelligence are abundant. Courage is not.
The people you admire aren’t more talented than you. They simply acted when you didn’t.
We’re halfway through the year. It’s not a race, but if you’ve been yearning for change, now is the time to take slow, mindful steps toward the lifestyle or career you desire.
Perfectionism Is a Trap
Perfectionism is often driven by fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. When we aim for perfection, we tell ourselves, “If I can just get this right, then I’ll be ready.” But the truth is, perfection is a moving target. It delays action, stifles creativity, and robs us of growth. It convinces us to stay safe when what we want is to grow.
Whether it’s not applying for a new job until your résumé is flawless, not launching that business because the website isn’t “just right,” or not reaching out for help because you feel you should already have it figured out, perfectionism keeps you stuck.
It’s rooted in a need for control and often reinforced by unrealistic standards we’ve internalized from childhood, culture, or past experiences. But courage? Courage says, “Start messy.” Courage says, “Done is better than perfect.”
Real Women Who Reinvented Themselves
Let these lesser-known women inspire you:
- Lisa Price started her beauty brand Carol’s Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen while working full-time. She built it into a multimillion-dollar business by trusting her vision, not waiting for a perfect plan.
- Toni Morrison published her first novel at 39 while raising two sons and working as an editor. Her courage paved the way for a Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Ann Dowd, now an Emmy-winning actress, waited tables for years before gaining recognition in her 50s. She kept showing up, even when the spotlight didn’t.
Each of them made progress not through perfection, but by taking imperfect action consistently.
How a Coach Can Help
If you’re considering a career pivot, exploring an encore path, or simply longing for more meaning, a coach can be the mirror and guide you need. I help clients uncover what’s driving their perfectionism, find clarity, and create actionable steps toward their goals. With structure, encouragement, and honest feedback, you can trade perfection for progress and feel the weight lift.
Your Turn
Where in your life or career do you feel stuck? Are you holding off on taking action because you’re waiting for things to be just right? What are you telling yourself must be perfected before you can begin? The truth is, clarity often comes through action, not before it. When you permit yourself to start messy, you create momentum, confidence, and real progress. Courage doesn’t require the perfect plan; it just asks you to begin. So, where do you need clarity, feel stuck, or need to create some action steps? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear where courage is calling you next.
Take the first step today.
Download your free worksheet: Courage Over Perfection
This guided reflection will help you identify where you’re stuck and design your next step forward, no perfection required. After you have completed, let’s connect! I would love to meet you!
If you feel you are ready to explore your new career but don’t know where to start, please reach out to me via my website www.deborahvoll.com and book a free exploratory call here. Together we will discuss your situation and if life coaching is the best option for you right now!
