Progress Over Perfection: The Mindset That Saved My Sanity

Claire
May 1
2 min read

There’s no such thing as perfect. Not at work, not at home, not in motherhood — and definitely not in your calendar, closet, or car console.

I learned that lesson early in my career, where chasing perfection quickly led to burnout. But it wasn’t until I became a mom — juggling deadlines, diaper blowouts, soccer practice, and snack obligations — that the mantra progress over perfection became more than just a cute Pinterest quote. It became survival.

A handwritten acrylic sign on a wooden surface with the words “Progress over Perfection” written in bold purple marker. — This daily reminder lives on my desk.

Why “Perfect” Isn’t the Goal Anymore

We’ve been conditioned to believe that the “best” version of ourselves is always polished, productive, and perfectly balanced. But the truth? The best version of you is a moving target.

Sometimes she’s energized and organized.

Sometimes she’s crying in the car, drinking cold coffee, and doing her best to just show up.

And both versions are valid. Both are enough.

What matters most is that you keep moving forward — even if it’s slow, even if it’s messy.

Life Doesn’t Care About Your To-Do List

You can have the color-coded planner, the meal plan, the perfectly laid-out day… and then someone gets sick. Or the power goes out. Or your toddler melts down in Target because the bananas are too yellow.

Trying to live up to an impossible standard (especially when the game changes daily) is exhausting. Progress over perfection gives you room to breathe, adjust, and show yourself some grace.

Your Best Looks Different Every Day

Read that again.

Your best self on Monday might be high-energy, focused, and firing on all cylinders.

Your best self on Thursday might be barely hanging on — and that’s still your best.

Your worth isn’t defined by how much you checked off your list.

It’s defined by your intention, your effort, and your ability to keep going when things aren’t perfect.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Sending the email with a typo because done is better than never sent
Feeding your family cereal for dinner and calling it “a vibe”
Showing up late but still showing up
Trying again after snapping at your kids
Forgiving yourself for needing help

A Better Way to Measure Success

Instead of asking “Did I do it perfectly?” ask:

Did I take a step forward today?
Did I show up with love (even if I was tired)?
Did I model grace— or my kids and myself?

If the answer is yes (or even a soft, tired “mostly”), you’re winning.

Why I’ll Always Choose Progress Over Perfection

Perfection isn’t the goal—and frankly, it never was. Progress is where the growth happens. Progress is where the connection is. Progress is where we prove to ourselves that we’re resilient, adaptable, and worth rooting for.

So whether today looks like a polished PowerPoint or a power nap, celebrate it. You’re still moving. You’re still trying. You’re still in it.

And that’s more than enough.