I don’t know anyone who doesn’t or hasn’t struggled with perfectionism, including myself. Which is to say everyone is living with shame, as you pointed out. A vital topic and great article.
Derek — this is courageous, clear, and incredibly grounding.
The way you traced perfectionism back to its emotional roots — not as a personality quirk, but as a coping mechanism wrapped around shame — really hit me. That line about being an “extra in someone else’s movie”? That one lingered.
What I appreciate most is how you didn’t just name the problem, you offered a path forward. Not a “fix” — but a slow, human unraveling. One built on honesty, self-compassion, and the daily discipline of authenticity. That’s real leadership, on the page and in life.
Thank you for sharing your truth — and showing that healing doesn’t have to be flashy to be powerful. You’ve created something that doesn’t just resonate… it invites reflection. That’s rare. And it matters.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t or hasn’t struggled with perfectionism, including myself. Which is to say everyone is living with shame, as you pointed out. A vital topic and great article.
Thank you, Ryan! May we lean into that shame and learn what it can teach us.
Derek — this is courageous, clear, and incredibly grounding.
The way you traced perfectionism back to its emotional roots — not as a personality quirk, but as a coping mechanism wrapped around shame — really hit me. That line about being an “extra in someone else’s movie”? That one lingered.
What I appreciate most is how you didn’t just name the problem, you offered a path forward. Not a “fix” — but a slow, human unraveling. One built on honesty, self-compassion, and the daily discipline of authenticity. That’s real leadership, on the page and in life.
Thank you for sharing your truth — and showing that healing doesn’t have to be flashy to be powerful. You’ve created something that doesn’t just resonate… it invites reflection. That’s rare. And it matters.
Wow, Matt, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad it resonates. May we all share our truths and illuminate the path for others.
My happiness was born when I let go of perfectionism.
That's a beautiful perspective, Heléna!