133: How to Overcome Perfectionism
If perfectionism has you stuck overthinking instead of moving forward, this episode is your permission slip to let it go.
Heather shares how perfectionism (not lack of skill or strategy) quietly holds so many teacher business owners back, and why imperfect action is the real key to progress, clarity, and profit.
Tune in and learn why done is better than perfect and how putting your work out there, even when it’s not flawless, is what actually moves your business forward.
Key Takeaways:
- (02:30) Getting stuck in perfectionism
- (08:10) The myth of “A+ work” and why it rarely sees the light of day
- (10:35) Mantras to beat perfectionism and take action faster
- (11:40) Why mindset is the real foundation of success
Episodes Mentioned:
#58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner
#94: Struggling with Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Stay Productive with Cait Keery
#103: How to Ditch Imposter Syndrome and Finally Get Started with Lydia Martin
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Letting Go of Perfect to Launch and Grow a Fulfilling Teacher Biz
One of the most common struggles for teachers stepping into entrepreneurship is the battle with perfectionism. It’s something many of us face—especially after years of being expected to meet high standards, pursue ‘A+’ work, and rarely leave any detail unfinished.
In this episode, Heather dives deep into her personal journey with perfectionism and imposter syndrome and shares practical ways to move past them to build a fulfilling, profitable business.
The Hidden Barriers: Imposter Syndrome & Perfectionism
The two biggest obstacles holding teacher business owners back are often internal: imposter syndrome and perfectionism.
While imposter syndrome makes you question your qualifications, perfectionism leads to never feeling satisfied with your work. Both of these are mental habits that quietly sabotage progress, leaving projects unfinished and ideas stuck in endless cycles of revision.
Teachers, in particular, are prone to these traps. Our drive to ‘get it right’ can be paralyzing when starting something new, like an online business.
The Teacher Biz Podcast has several in-depth discussions about imposter syndrome, but this episode focuses on perfectionism—the silent productivity killer.
From Classroom to Entrepreneur: Breaking Out of the ‘A+’ Mindset
Heather shares her story of driving to work, feeling trapped despite her accomplishments—a master’s degree, a coveted job, yet unfulfilled because of the limits imposed by the school system. The transition from classroom to online business showed her that doing “A+” work isn’t always the path to success. In fact, it can be the very thing that stops you from helping more people.
She recounts how perfectionism held her back for almost a year as she delayed publishing blog posts, not because they were unworthy, but because they weren’t “perfect.” She also touches on how she delayed getting results by not launching products or content, instead revising them endlessly.
Progress Over Perfection: Taking Imperfect Action
The biggest shift in Heather’s business journey came from embracing imperfect action. She realized, with the help of Ruth Soukup’s books and teachings, that procrastination is often rooted in perfectionism.
The drive for flawless execution often means that nothing ever gets done; ideas stay buried instead of benefiting the world.
When she launched her first product, the Alphabet kit, it wasn’t perfect—there were typos! But rather than seeing this as a failure, she corrected the mistakes and moved forward.
This imperfect action brought her sales, impact, and most importantly, momentum.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
A recurring mantra for successful business owners: “Done is better than perfect.”
Heather encourages us to set deadlines and move projects out the door, knowing that anything digital can always be updated and improved in the future.
Waiting for perfection usually means nothing gets published, and therefore, nothing has a chance to help or bring in profit.
Teachers are trained to aim for top marks, but entrepreneurship rewards consistent, B-minus work that gets into the hands of the people who need it most. It’s about serving, learning in the process, and improving with real-world feedback.
Practical Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism
Heather offers several actionable strategies:
- Set firm deadlines. Don’t allow projects to expand endlessly.
- Embrace ‘B minus’ work. As Brooke Castillo recommends, shoot for good enough—work that’s helpful, published, and profitable.
- Repeat encouraging mantras. Keep “Done is better than perfect,” “Progress over perfection,” and “Perfection is the enemy of profit,” visible to curb the urge to over-polish.
- Remember, business is about people. Feedback from real users is how you get closer to ‘perfect’—not by guessing in isolation.
Mindset First, Then Strategy
Many think building a business is about the right marketing tactic, viral social media post, or clever product placement. Heather argues that success actually starts with mindset.
Mindset work is not fluffy or optional—it’s foundational. Believing you’re capable, and allowing yourself to move forward with imperfect work, is where sustainable progress and profit begin.
If you find yourself trapped by perfectionism, you’re not alone. As Heather’s story shows us, most successful entrepreneurs struggled with these same issues. The difference is, they chose to take action—imperfectly.
Download the Teacher Biz Starter Guide and get started on your business today!