When Perfectionism Almost Stopped Me from Showing Up

I almost silenced the voice God called me to share.

I almost didn’t show up for Season 2.

Not because I didn’t have something to say. Not because I lacked passion or clarity. But because the music wasn’t finished and I thought the season wasn’t polished enough. Sounds small, right? But for me, it became paralyzing.

That’s the thing about perfectionism—it rarely announces itself. It often slips in dressed as “excellence” or “preparation,” whispering that you just need to fix one more thing before you can move forward.

But underneath that pressure was fear. And underneath that fear was pride.

I was afraid I couldn’t live up to the success of Season 1. I was afraid people would compare. Truthfully? I was comparing myself to my own past self.

Woman journaling as sunlight shines through, signifying clarity

Sometimes we look at a past season of fruitfulness and think: That was my best. That was my peak. And if this new season feels different—harder, slower, more uncertain—we start discrediting it before it even begins.

I did that. I kept holding this season up to the standard of last season’s success. But God reminded me: “I didn’t ask you to outdo yourself. I asked you to obey.”

Obedience isn’t about performance. It’s about trust. And trust doesn't wait until everything feels perfect.

I had to ask myself: Where did this pressure come from? Who said the launch had to be flawless? Who told me my words only mattered if they were wrapped in polished branding and a perfect theme song? The answer? Me.

We often carry expectations that no one placed on us. Then we resent the weight of them. But here’s the grace: God never called us to carry what He didn’t assign.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• This season of Graced to Lead won’t be perfect. But it will be honest, faithful, and full of grace.

• I’m committed to showing up—with courage, even in imperfection. I hope you will too.

• If you’ve been waiting for perfect… I lovingly challenge you: stop waiting.

Write the post.

Launch the program.

Have the conversation.

Say yes to the next thing.

Not because you feel ready. But because obedience is the readiness.

You are graced to lead—right now, as you are.

With respect for your journey,

Belinda

Need a gentle nudge to move forward?

Listen to Season 2, Episode 1 now, and let this be your reminder that progress is better than perfection—every time.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where have you delayed action because it doesn’t feel perfect yet?

2. What pressure or expectation are you carrying that God never placed on you?

3. What small act of obedience can you say yes to today, even if you still feel unsure?