Give Yourself Permission to Suck

I, along with most people, I’ve noticed, adopt this perfectionist mindset when it comes to starting things we want to be successful at. I often put off working on my goals by hesitating to take the initial step.

This hesitation stems from my desire to be great at everything I do, which prevents me from simply getting started. Rather than taking action, I find myself fixating on the extensive journey ahead and the numerous stages between my current position and my desired destination. This apprehension of never reaching my goal immobilizes me, leading me to avoid taking any action altogether.

I put off losing weight for such a long time because I wanted to get the perfect diet together. Perfect macros, perfect snacks, perfect eating schedule, perfect exercise routine.

I put off having an online presence because I thought starting from 0 was “embarrassing.” I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted my content to look like. I don’t know how to craft the perfect tweet, I’m not an expert copywriter, and I’m not sure what it takes to go viral. Yet.

In a world obsessed with perfection and overnight success, we often forget that mastery takes time. Embracing the journey of improvement requires acknowledging that it's okay to start at a level that might not meet your own high standards.

So, how’d I end the procrastination and start getting things done? I gave myself permission to suck.

In regards to weight, I just started eating less and moving more (Pro tip: walking is a very underrated exercise). I figured out what worked for me and what didn’t, and I lost 50 pounds. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in.

With my online presence, I decided to just…do it. Write the newsletter posts, tweet (xeet?) out whatever is on my mind, create content, and connect with people. Just show up and keep trying, keep getting better, and keep providing value to people coming along this journey with me.

Here's why granting yourself this permission is liberating:

1. Banishes Perfectionism: Perfectionism can paralyze progress. By acknowledging that you're allowed to produce imperfect work, you free yourself from the shackles of unrealistic expectations.

2. Fosters Learning: Embracing mistakes as part of the process nurtures a learning mindset. You're more likely to experiment, take risks, and explore new territories, leading to greater knowledge and expertise.

3. Reduces Fear of Failure: The fear of failure often stems from the fear of not meeting high standards. When you allow yourself to produce less-than-perfect outcomes, the fear of failure loses its grip.

4. Encourages Consistency: Starting small and accepting imperfection can lead to consistent practice. Over time, consistent efforts compound into significant progress.

So, how can you practically apply this principle?

1. Start Before You're Ready: Begin even if you feel unprepared. You probably will. Your initial attempts may not meet your desired level of excellence, but they're stepping stones toward improvement.

2. Embrace the Learning Curve: Understand that everyone starts as a beginner. View mistakes as opportunities to learn and refine your skills.

3. Set Incremental Goals: Break down your journey into achievable milestones. Each small success builds confidence and motivates further progress.

4. Celebrate Imperfection: Acknowledge your efforts, regardless of the outcome. Celebrate the fact that you're taking action and moving forward.

Remember, giving yourself permission to suck doesn't mean settling for mediocrity. It's a mindset shift that empowers you to embrace imperfection as a vital part of your growth process. Embrace the messy, the imperfect, and the unfinished, and watch as your journey toward excellence unfolds.