Brandmerry Blog Archives

Why perfectionism is bad for business (entrepreneur edition)

Entrepreneurs struggle with perfectionism and as a result they are more likely to stay stuck, spinning their wheels and not achieving the results they desire. In this blog, I’m sharing how to reframe your thinking around perfectionism and a simple question to ask yourself to bring awareness to perfectionism in business.

 

Why perfectionism is bad for business (entrepreneur edition)

April 25, 2019

Why perfectionism is bad for business

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It's a trap. I'm talking about perfectionism, more specifically, perfectionism in business.

I know it's really easy when you dive into this whole entrepreneur thing that you want every single thing to be perfect.

So I have to know, do you struggle with perfectionism and more specifically, did you feel that heightened when you became an entrepreneur when you started diving into the world of entrepreneurism?

I know I did, and you and I are not alone. There are so many women who struggle with this. Today, I want to talk to you about what perfectionism means for your business and how you can start to escape it.

Real talk. I have struggled with perfectionism my entire life, and I'm not talking about that one time in college when that one paper had to be perfect.

I'm talking about perfectionism on an emotional, mental, and physical level really impacting me for years and years. And so when I tell you I get you, I am not freaking lying.

That feeling of almost being paralyzed to do anything in your business, redoing and redoing an email and a website, trying to get it absolutely perfect to the point that you feel exhausted and slightly overwhelmed and comparing yourself to other people in the online space because let's just admit it right now, comparisonitis plagues perfectionists so much.

I get it - all right. Maybe you're not that far gone, and to that, I say bless you, but perhaps you are, and you need to hear exactly what I'm telling you today.

Throughout my entrepreneur journey, I had to come face to face with my struggle around perfectionism. And today I have some harsh truths for you; perfectionism is keeping you stuck. I know, I get it.

When I first heard it, I was like, who do you think you are? But it's true and after three years of really making this a focus, to dive into how perfectionism was keeping me stuck, how it was keeping me in a safe space, I have come to learn that it is an excuse that so many entrepreneurs use, and it's probably an excuse that you're using today.

It's a belief that you have held onto for so long that it's ultimately keeping you stuck.

It is keeping you in a safe bubble where you are not taking risks and big, bold chances. And I have to tell you; it is those risks and big, bold chances that make you a better entrepreneur and more importantly, a better version of yourself.

And so with everything, I genuinely believe that you have a choice and you might be thinking to yourself, I know that and I believe that, and maybe you know that on a surface level, but have you actually thought about that today?

Have you thought about the fact that you can live with something forever and ever and you can wake up one day and have a choice to no longer let that be your truth?

You have a choice right now.

You can choose to stay safe in this perfectionist bubble, redoing things over and over again, not putting your voice out into the world, or you can choose to take action, and you can choose to get super uncomfortable, and I have to tell you, that's where growth comes from. It comes from doing uncomfortable things.

Also, side note, if the fear of failure is like going off in your head right now, watch my video from last week because we talked about the fear of failure and what it truly means.

But I have a question for you. Does everyone who struggles with perfectionism stay hidden? The answer is no. Obviously, because there are big important people in this world who are out there sharing their message that struggle with this same thing that you and I struggle with and I know that was a huge part for me.

When I realized that these people out there every single day are doing it even though they might be a little fearful that they might fail or that it won't be perfect. They're still doing it. I'm standing in front of you today to tell you that you have a choice.

You deserve to show up, and you deserve to be seen just as you are in this moment, even if it doesn't feel perfect, it's your job to decide not to let this label keep you from achieving greatness.

My first live stream was horrible. My first webinar blew up in my face, my first launch. It did not go as planned, and the only way that I grew was by putting it out there and continuing to take action over and over again.

So how can you ever perfect something if you're not willing to put it out into the world? If you are afraid of what people are going to say, I have to tell you there will always be people who love you and there will always be people who want to bring you down.

You have to focus on the people who love you, and you have to put your stuff out there and to be your true authentic self anyway.

So how are you going to show up and take action and take risks even though it is scary, even though you want it to be perfect and it's not there yet because I am telling you your business, your life of freedom, it all comes back to you and the choices that you will make today.

If for you, that action means finally getting started, your thriving online business. If that means for you saying yes to the dream that you've had forever playing over and over in your head, but you're afraid to do it because guess what? It's not perfect yet.

I want to invite you to my upcoming masterclass where you'll hear from someone who has been where you are struggling with perfectionism, and we're going to talk about exactly what you need to create a thriving online business that doesn't waste time, energy, or resources, and get you to profitability faster. You can go to brandmerry.com/masterclass.

Please share your biggest takeaways from this blog post and how you’re going to implement this information in your own business!


Branding and Business Coach | Michelle Knight of Brandmerry

P.S. Are we connected on Instagram? No? Well lady what’s happening here we’ve got to fix that. Come hang out with me on my favorite social media platform. Follow for inspiration and send me a DM to know we’re connected.


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Must-Read Personal and Professional Books for 2019 + 3 of My All Time Favorites

 

Must-Read personal and professional Books for 2019
+ 3 of My All Time Favorites

February 4, 2019

Must-Read Personal and Professional Books for 2019, plus I’m sharing three of my all-time favorite books that changed my life and business!

I remember a time when the only thing I would read was a Nicholas Sparks book - no joke.

Not to mention the only time I would even pick up said Nicholas Sparks book was on vacation.

I had convinced myself I didn’t have time to read or didn’t need to read (yes, I understand how ridiculous that sounds).

When I dove head first into entrepreneurship I became consumed with personal development, all my entrepreneurs know this feeling, and I became obsessed with learning as much as I could.

It wasn’t until I started seeing results from what I was reading that I realized this is an essential part of growing. Now I make it a priority to read weekly, both a mix of personal development and professional development books.

As we set out on our year-long (heck, maybe longer) journey of full-time travel I’m gearing up to load my Kindle with must reads.

Today, I’m sharing what’s on my reading list for 2019 + some of my personal favorites that I find myself re-reading or quoting on the regular.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

Anything Brene Brown, but seriously I’m not even kidding! Some of my personal favorites are Daring Greatly and Braving the Wilderness. If you struggle with perfectionism she is your girl!

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein. Struggle with trusting? I get that and this book changed so much for me in terms of leaning fully into my goals and trusting the process, even if I didn’t always understand it.

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I’m really hoping you have heard of this book, I mean how could you not, it took the world by storm and for good reason. It’s an amazing book and so beautifully told, I highly recommend!

MUST-READS FOR 2019

Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz

I’m halfway through this book and it is blowing my mind. If you’re looking for strategic ways to grow your business without working more this is a must read.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

I’m obsessed with creating habits in 2019 and making sure that every single day I’m taking action to get me towards my goal and living a more intentional life. I’ve heard amazing things about this book.

High Performance Habits by Brendan Burchard

Speaking of habits, this book by Brendan Burchard has been a must-read for a while, but this year I’m truly diving into the idea of high performance and studying more of the psychology behind what makes people successful.

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

This book dives into what makes people truly successful! Did I mention it is a complete system? Sign this girl up.

Primal Branding by Patrick Hanlon

Branding is my jam, so I’m always excited to learn more not just about branding, but WHY people buy.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama DUH!

I want to know what books are you loving right now or are currently sitting in your Amazing shopping cart? Head over to Instagram and let me know!

Branding and Business Coach_Michelle Knight of Brandmerry

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