What Set This Off?
I need to put forward a pitch for funding. Not just an idea, but something concrete—something that gives Cyndiverse the chance to gain traction. But instead of diving into it, I’m stuck, tangled in perfectionism.
Not because this pitch defines me, but because it’s surfaced something deeper—the belief that if something isn’t perfect, it isn’t good enough. It’s made me wonder: Where did this obsession start? And why do I let it dictate what I create?
Where Does This Need for Perfection Come From?
Perfectionism doesn’t just show up one day—it sneaks in early, shaping how we see ourselves and our work. Maybe it started when people pointed out my flaws as a child, even when they meant well. Maybe it was hearing a parent critique their cooking, never quite satisfied, even when it was delicious.
And then there’s society—the endless expectation to be everything at once. Be the perfect wife, mother, career woman, cook, housekeeper, social planner, all without ever dropping the ball. But the truth is, trying to perfect everything can mean losing yourself in the process.6
The Trap We Fall Into
Recently, I tried a trendy AI tool that turned people into dolls. Just a fun distraction—I picked features that felt like me, and I thought the doll was cute. Then the final image loaded, and my first thought? Why does it have such fat legs?
I actually had to compare the original version to mine just to convince myself it wasn’t designed that way because of my features. That inner critic? Relentless.
Funny how we see flaws that aren’t even there. And the real question is—if I wouldn’t talk to a friend that way, why do I let myself do it?
Time to Let Perfectionism Take a Back Seat
At some point, you have to tell that perfectionist voice to take a back seat and let you move forward.
- Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
- Mistakes are how we improve.
- Every expert was once a beginner.
- If we wouldn’t treat a friend this way, we shouldn’t treat ourselves this way
Time to Stop Procrastinating
This pitch won’t be perfect, and I need to accept that. Not just as a passing thought, but as something I actively let go of, because holding onto the idea of perfection won’t help me move forward. Instead, I need to tell myself—you’ve got this.
That doesn’t mean I’m lowering my standards. I still expect a high level of quality—I always will. But this is just the groundbreaking moment, the first step toward something bigger. Maybe it’s fear of the unknown that’s been holding me back—the uncertainty of putting something out into the world when I can’t predict the outcome.
Or maybe it’s that ingrained Kiwi modesty—the reluctance to put myself front and centre, the discomfort of seeing my own image reflected back on screens, the quiet resistance to standing out too much. But the truth is, I have to put myself out there. No one else can tell my story for me.
Break Ground—Don’t Wait for Opportunity
But here’s the truth—if you wait for the perfect moment, the right opportunity, or the guarantee of success before you start, you’ll never begin. The people who succeed aren’t always the ones who get lucky; they’re the ones who break ground, build momentum, and create their own opportunities.
If I want Nanny’s Corner and Cyndiverse to gain traction, I need to take that leap. Because no one else can be the star of my journey but me.
And if you’ve been holding yourself back, waiting for everything to align before you take action—this is your sign to start. You don’t have to get everything right the first time—you just have to begin.
You’re the only one who can be the star of your story. So step up, take the lead, and make it happen. You've got this!
