I used to measure success by perfection; every task had to be flawless, every decision exactly right. Over time, I realized that striving for perfection was holding me back from taking bold steps and embracing growth. What helped me shift my mindset was focusing on progress over perfection: celebrating small wins, learning from mistakes, and recognizing that imperfection is part of innovation and leadership. In my role as Executive Assistant to the CEO at Gracemark Solutions, this mindset allows me to take initiative, contribute confidently in high-stakes client meetings, and support strategic decisions without fear of “getting it wrong.” Letting go of the need for perfection has been liberating. It has taught me that bold action, continuous learning, and resilience are far more valuable than flawless execution, and that thriving in both career and life comes from moving forward, not from waiting for everything to be perfect.

Letting go of perfection wasn’t a moment it was a ministry. For years, I believed excellence required exhaustion, and that being taken seriously meant being endlessly available, polished, and proven. But perfection is a performance rooted in fear. Progress is a posture rooted in faith. I began to release the pressure to be perfect when I realized that my calling didn’t require my constant proving it required my presence, my discernment, and my willingness to be refined in real time. Here’s what helped me shift: I reframed risk as stewardship. Every bold move I’ve made launching Innata nonprofit, Rgm of SWFL and Take the risk and take off mentoring women, stewarding funding wasn’t about perfection. It was about obedience. I asked, “What’s mine to carry?” and moved from there. I embraced strategic imperfection. I learned to submit drafts, not masterpieces. To show up with clarity, not control. That’s where collaboration and breakthrough live. I honored my humanity. I stopped apologizing for needing rest, for changing my mind, for setting boundaries. That’s not weakness it’s wisdom. I taught others to do the same. Through coaching, workshops, and documentation, I model what it looks like to lead with elevated standards and restored expectations. Perfection isolates. Progress invites. And when we release the need to be flawless, we make room for legacy, impact, and joy.

My mother taught me the kind of strength that doesn’t always make noise. The kind that keeps going when no one is watching. She modeled resilience through every challenge, never complaining, just finding a way forward. From her, I learned that grace under pressure is its own quiet power.

For a long time, I believed that perfection was the price of success. Every project, every meeting, every milestone had to be flawless or so I thought. But over time, I realized that chasing perfection was keeping me from growth. It made me hesitant to delegate, cautious to take risks, and slow to celebrate wins. Progress felt secondary to control and that mindset wasn't sustainable for leadership or life. The turning point came when I started leading larger teams and overseeing complex initiatives across healthcare and staffing. I quickly learned that excellence doesn't mean doing everything yourself or getting everything right. It means empowering others, learning in real time, and iterating toward better outcomes. Perfection is static; progress is alive. I began focusing on momentum instead of mastery. Instead of asking, "Is this perfect?" I now ask, "Does this move us forward?" That shift created freedom; freedom to innovate, to fail fast, and to learn faster. It's also allowed me to model authenticity for my team. When I admit I don't have all the answers, it gives others permission to experiment, speak up, and grow. Today, I thrive by embracing the beauty of progress. I still set high standards, but I've learned that the goal isn't flawlessness. It's evolution. The best leaders aren't perfect; they're self-aware, adaptable, and courageous enough to keep moving even when things are messy. Letting go of perfection didn't lower my standards; it raised my capacity. It allowed me to lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion, and to build teams that value progress as the true path to excellence.

Early in my career at Assembly Fasteners, I thought success meant getting everything exactly right. Over time, I realized that perfection often limits growth. Shifting my focus to progress allowed me to take risks, trust my instincts, and lead with greater authenticity. Letting go of perfection opened the door to creativity and confidence, both in myself and in others. True leadership isn't about being flawless; it's about learning, adapting, and moving forward together. "Perfection isn't the goal. Progress is. Growth happens when we give ourselves permission to learn along the way."

Letting go of perfection taught me the power of surrender. When I stopped trying to control everything and trusted God instead, I found peace and discovered that my obedience wasn't just for me, it was for those who were waiting on me to move.

Perfection is exhausting, but progress is empowering and every time I choose grace over pressure, I get closer to the woman I'm becoming.

I've learned to "let go" and "enjoy the ride." I do a lot of journaling after work. It's therapeutic. I used to set high standards for myself and put a lot of pressure on perfectionism. I always wanted everything to run smoothly and be perfect. Now, I focus on taking the pressure off my shoulders and getting the job one task at a time. Instead of striving for perfection, I set achievable goals and celebrate small victories along the way. This helps me maintain motivation and a positive outlook. Focusing on the positive aspects of my life and expressing gratitude for my experiences, both good and bad, helps me maintain balance and resilience. I've built a strong network of supportive friends, family, and mentors who encourage me to embrace progress and offer valuable perspectives when I feel overwhelmed or uncertain.