Sis, let’s be real—how many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start when it’s perfect”? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that once you have the perfect plan, the perfect logo, or the perfect confidence, then you’ll be ready to walk in your calling. But here’s the truth: perfectionism and your calling can’t coexist.
Perfectionism isn’t about striving for excellence—it’s fear in disguise. It’s the fear of failure, judgment, or not being enough. And while you’re waiting for everything to feel “just right,” the women God has called you to serve are still waiting for you to show up.
Here’s the good news: God’s not asking for perfect. He’s asking for obedience. He’s asking you to trust Him enough to take a step, even if it’s messy, scary, or incomplete. In this post, we’re breaking down why perfectionism is holding you back and how to break free so you can finally start walking boldly in your purpose.
Recognize Perfectionism for What It Is
Let’s just call it what it is—perfectionism isn’t about doing your best; it’s about fear. It’s the fear of failing, the fear of being judged, or the fear of not measuring up. It disguises itself as “preparation” or “waiting for the right time,” but really, it’s just a way to stay stuck.
Here’s the thing: perfectionism loves to whisper lies like, “If this isn’t perfect, you’ll fail” or “You’re not ready yet—keep waiting.” But those lies are not from God. The truth is, perfectionism is a barrier to obedience. While you’re striving for perfect, you’re delaying the work God has called you to do.
The first step to breaking free is recognizing perfectionism for what it really is—a form of fear and control. And Sis, that’s not what God has for you.
How to Recognize Perfectionism:
You’re Always “Almost Ready”:
You keep tweaking, reworking, or planning instead of actually starting.
Example: “I’ll launch my coaching ministry after I finish one more course or redesign my website again.”You Overthink Everything:
You second-guess every decision, trying to avoid mistakes or judgment.
Example: “What if no one likes this? Maybe I should wait until I feel more confident.”You’re More Focused on Appearances than Action:
You spend more time perfecting how something looks instead of actually doing the work.
Example: “I can’t post this—it doesn’t look professional enough.”
Action Step:
Grab your journal and write down the areas in your life where perfectionism is holding you back. Ask yourself:
- What am I afraid will happen if this isn’t perfect?
- How is this fear keeping me from stepping into my calling?
Faith Reminder:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Sis, God’s not asking for perfect—He’s asking for you. Recognize where perfectionism has been creeping in, and remind yourself that His grace is enough.
Reframe Mistakes as Growth Opportunities
Now, let’s talk about mistakes. I know the thought of messing up makes your stomach twist, but here’s the truth: mistakes don’t disqualify you—they grow you. Somewhere along the way, we started believing that failure is the end of the road, but God sees it differently. He uses our mistakes to refine us, teach us, and bring Him glory.
Here’s the thing: avoiding mistakes keeps you stuck in fear. But when you embrace them as part of the journey, you realize they’re just stepping stones toward your purpose. Every misstep is a chance to learn, pivot, and rely on God’s strength instead of your own.
How to Reframe Mistakes:
Shift Your Mindset:
Stop seeing mistakes as failures and start seeing them as lessons.
Example: Instead of thinking, “I can’t believe I messed that up,” say, “What can I learn from this that will help me grow?”Remember the Bigger Picture:
God’s not looking for perfection—He’s looking for faithfulness. He can use even your mistakes to fulfill His purpose.
Example: “That launch didn’t go as planned, but now I know what to do differently next time.”Take the Pressure Off:
Nobody expects you to get it all right on the first try, and God certainly doesn’t. Mistakes don’t define you—they refine you.
Action Step:
Write down one mistake you’ve been afraid to make or one you’ve made in the past that’s been holding you back. Now, list three things you learned from it or how it could help you grow.
Faith Reminder:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Sis, God can take the very thing you’re afraid of—the mistakes, the failures, the missteps—and turn them into something beautiful. Stop letting the fear of messing up hold you back and start seeing every moment, even the messy ones, as part of the plan He’s working in your life. ❤️
Take Imperfect Action
Listen, waiting for everything to feel “just right” is keeping you stuck. Perfect isn’t going to happen, and honestly? It’s not supposed to. God doesn’t need you to have it all figured out before you start. He just needs you to take the next step.
Imperfect action is how you build momentum. When you move, even if it’s messy or incomplete, you’re showing God that you trust Him to guide you through the process. And the best part? He meets you right there—in the imperfection, in the uncertainty, in the step you thought wasn’t enough.
Here’s why imperfect action works:
Action Builds Confidence:
Every time you take a step, no matter how small, you gain clarity and courage for the next one.
Example: “I might not have all the answers, but I’m going to post about my coaching ministry today and see where it leads.”God Works Through Obedience, Not Perfection:
When you take action, you give God something to work with. He’s not waiting for you to be perfect—He’s waiting for you to trust Him.
Example: “My website isn’t exactly how I want it, but it’s good enough to get started.”You Learn as You Go:
Action brings clarity. You don’t have to know everything before you start—what you learn along the way will shape your journey.
Action Step:
Pick one thing you’ve been procrastinating on because it doesn’t feel “ready.” Maybe it’s sharing your story on social media, reaching out to someone about your coaching ministry, or launching that freebie you’ve been sitting on. Commit to taking that step this week—flaws and all.
Faith Reminder:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
Sis, ready isn’t a feeling—it’s a decision. Take that imperfect step, and trust that God will use it in ways you can’t even imagine.
Shift the Focus from You to Who You’re Serving
Here’s the thing, tho…perfectionism often sneaks in because we’re overthinking how we will look. What if they judge me? What if I mess up? What if I’m not enough? But here’s the thing: your calling isn’t about you. It’s about the people God has called you to serve.
When you stop making it about you and shift your focus to who you’re serving, everything changes. The pressure lifts, the fear fades, and you remember why you’re doing this in the first place. There are women out there who need what you have, and they’re not looking for perfection—they’re looking for hope, guidance, and someone who gets it.
Here’s how to shift your focus:
Think About Their Needs:
What are the struggles keeping your ideal clients up at night? What are they praying for?
Example: “She’s overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure of her next step. My message could be the encouragement she needs today.”Remember the Impact You Can Make:
Your obedience could be the answer to someone’s prayer. God is using you to serve and transform lives.
Example: “This isn’t about me. It’s about helping her find clarity, confidence, and faith to step into her calling.”Stop Trying to Impress and Start Serving:
Perfectionism focuses on impressing people; purpose focuses on serving them. Choose purpose.
Example: “This post doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to help someone take their next step.”
Action Step:
Write down a quick list of 3-5 ways your coaching ministry will impact the women you’re called to serve. Keep it somewhere visible to remind yourself of the why behind your work.
Faith Reminder:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Sis, the women you’re called to serve don’t need you to be perfect—they just need you to show up. Shift your focus to them, and you’ll realize that your purpose is so much bigger than your fears.
Trust God with the Results
This is the hardest part, isn’t it? You’ve done the work, you’ve shown up, and now you’re sitting there wondering, “What if it’s not enough?” But here’s the truth: the results were never yours to control in the first place. They belong to God.
When you trust God with the results, you’re releasing the pressure to make everything perfect or successful by your own strength. You’re saying, “Lord, I’ve done my part. Now I’m trusting You to do Yours.” And let me tell you—He will.
Here’s how to lean into trust:
Surrender the Outcome:
Stop holding onto the need for everything to turn out the way you planned. Let go and let God lead.
Example: “Even if this doesn’t look like success to me, I trust that God will use it for His glory.”Focus on Faithful Action, Not Perfect Results:
God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s asking for obedience. Your job is to plant the seeds—He’s in charge of the harvest.
Example: “I’m showing up because God called me to, not because I need a specific result.”Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome:
Every step you take is a step of faith, and that’s worth celebrating. Trust that God is using every effort, even the ones that feel small.
Action Step:
Take 10 minutes to pray over your work. Write down a prayer of surrender, giving the results to God. Say something like:
“Lord, I trust You with the outcome. I’ve done what You’ve called me to do, and I know You will use it in ways I can’t even imagine.”
Faith Reminder:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Sis, trusting God with the results isn’t always easy, but it’s so freeing. When you release the outcome to Him, you open the door for Him to move in ways that are bigger and better than anything you could have planned.
Conclusion
Sis, let me remind you of this: God didn’t call you to be perfect—He called you to be faithful. Perfectionism might feel safe, but it’s holding you back from stepping into the purpose He’s already prepared for you. The women you’re meant to serve? They don’t need perfect—they need you.
When you recognize perfectionism for what it is, reframe mistakes as growth opportunities, take imperfect action, focus on serving others, and trust God with the results, you’ll start to see that your calling is about progress, not perfection. It’s about obedience, not control.
So, what’s your next step? Leave perfectionism behind, take that leap of faith, and trust that God will meet you right where you are. You don’t have to do this alone, Sis. Join my free community, Kingdom Business Coaching Circle, and connect with other faith-filled women who are walking this same journey. Together, we’ll break free from fear and step boldly into the callings God has for us.
