Start Messy, Stop Waiting for Perfection

Most people don’t fail because they lack ability — they fail because they never start. Waiting for the perfect time, opportunity, plan only holds you back. Perfection is an illusion, and chasing it will keep you stuck. The truth is there is no perfect moment — only the moment you decide to begin.

I know we were taught from a young age — by our parents and school, and higher education to be perfect. How to get the perfect scores, maintain a perfect record, and ultimately live a perfect life. For me “perfect” was a word I heard constantly growing up. I realized I struggled to start — even continue when things weren’t perfect. I used to give up easily when the conditions weren’t ideal. I envied those who had perfect plans and executed them while my own path felt messy and uncertain. I felt this way until I realized my life doesn’t have to be perfect or look perfect to others — it just needs to feel true to me, aligned with who I am and meaningful in my own eyes. We all want to pursue something we love, but perfectionism can stop us before we even begin. Perfectionism is often mistaken for productivity. We spend endless hours planning, rethinking and replanning — and yet, we never really start. All the precautions we take keep us safe, but they also keep us stuck. Perfectionism doesn’t just prevent failure — it prevents progress. The only antidote is to start. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s imperfect.

Every time I started something — whether it is the reels I post on self-help, the articles I’ve written or my first day of a workout journey — it wasn’t perfect. it was messy. But those imperfect, clumsy starts are what gave me progress. No one starts perfect, so don’t fear perfection — fear not starting. If you keep thinking “I’ll do it when I’m ready” you will never begin. Starting before you feel ready builds momentum. On the other hand, waiting for the perfect version of yourself keeps you stuck. It makes you seek validation for every choice, constantly needing proof that you’re doing it right. Imperfect action is always better than perfect intention. Take action — because you can only improve something that exists. Every writer you admire, every artist who inspires you started imperfectly. The ones who thrive don’t wait for perfectionism — they act. Honestly, perfect is boring. It’s time we ditch perfectionism. It only makes you overthink and keeps you stuck and adds unnecessary stress. 

So, how do you ditch perfectionism? The answer is simple, take the first step. Even if it is small. Even if it is ugly. Just take that step. Write that bad draft, record that awkward take, read that book you’ve been saving for later. Just start. There is no perfect time — there’s only now. These small imperfect actions bring far more progress than the perfect plans you keep making. And most importantly, stop measuring your life with others. Focus on your life, on what you love, on what makes you feel like yourself. Authentic choices — even the messy, unconventional ones, make your life richer. Embrace your mistakes. Mistakes are proof that you dared to take that bold, crazy step. Growth comes from action, not perfection. Every big thing in my life, happened began with a clumsy start, never a flawless one. Each imperfect step teaches you, strengthens you and moves you forward. Stop waiting for proof if you’re doing it right, just focus on your progress. Don’t ask “Was it flawless” ask “Did I move forward?”. Remember: you’re not performing for others to judge your life or give it scores. So, let go of that fear. Every attempt that didn’t work isn’t failure — it’s data.  

The truth is perfection never comes. We’re taught to always seek it, but all it gives is stress, disappointment and being stuck. Do not aspire to a prefect life, aspire to a real one which feels aligned with you. It’s the clumsy, imperfect beginnings that carry you forward. The first step won’t be flawless — but it doesn’t need to be. What matters is that it’s yours. Start where you are, with what you have, and let progress — not perfection — be your guide.