The Day I Let Go of Perfectionism and Found Freedom
“I realized I had been chasing a lie—that perfection would bring me peace.”
The Lie I Believed About Success
For years, I lived under the weight of one belief: If I could just be perfect, then I’d finally feel like enough. But instead of finding peace, I found exhaustion. Perfectionism kept me trapped in a cycle of striving, leaving me empty and disconnected. Maybe you’ve felt it too—the pressure to look like you have it all together while quietly wondering why it still doesn’t feel like enough.
The Breaking Point
Years ago, I stood on a stage during a fitness competition, wearing a smile that masked my exhaustion. I had spent months chasing the "perfect" body, hoping it would unlock confidence, joy, and fulfillment. But even as the crowd applauded, I felt hollow. The gold trophy in my hands couldn’t silence the nagging voice inside me whispering: Is this all there is?
That moment was a wake-up call. I realized I had been chasing a lie—that perfection would bring me peace. Instead, it had robbed me of my joy, my energy, and my faith in who God created me to be. That was the day I decided to let go.
But letting go wasn’t easy. Perfectionism was my armor, my identity. Without it, I didn’t know who I was. What I discovered was this: Letting go didn’t mean giving up. It meant surrendering to something greater—God’s grace and the freedom He offers.
Progress Over Perfection
Letting go of perfectionism taught me three life-changing truths:
Your Worth Is Not Earned
Your value doesn’t come from how much you achieve, how you look, or how perfect your life appears. It comes from who you are in Christ—loved, accepted, and whole.
Letting Go Opens the Door to Freedom
When you release the need to control everything, you make room for God to work. Surrender isn’t weakness; it’s strength rooted in trust.
Progress Over Perfection Brings Peace
Life isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about showing up consistently, making small, intentional steps toward who you’re becoming.
One verse anchored me in this truth:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God doesn’t need your perfection. He works through your imperfections to bring His strength and purpose to light.
Your Turn
Take 10 minutes today to reflect and journal:
Where is perfectionism holding you back in your life?
What is one small step you can take this week to choose progress over perfection?
If you need a guide, use my Create Your Own Story® Journal—a space to reflect, release, and rewrite your narrative.
Let’s Talk About It
What’s one area of your life where you’re ready to let go of perfectionism? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story. Let’s encourage one another on this journey toward freedom.
And if this post resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs a little reminder today: You are enough just as you are.
Resources to Help You Let Go
Book Recommendation: Dive deeper into this journey with my book, Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, and Self-Love—a guide for reclaiming your worth and purpose.
Free Resource: Download my 5 Steps to Break Free from the Hustle and Build a Life of Freedom & Impact to start redefining success on your terms.
Podcast Episode: Listen to The Confident Woman Podcast for more stories and actionable insights.
XO,
Rachel