The Perfectionism Trap

You think you’re being responsible. Strategic. High-performing. But what if the very thing you’re calling “productive”… is actually self-rejection in disguise? If you’ve ever replayed a decision 47 times, over-edited a post, or delayed a launch “until it’s perfect” — this episode will hit home. In this raw and transformational solo, George Bryant breaks down the insidious trap of perfectionism, how it’s stealing your peace, your profit, and your power — and exactly how to break free. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The real identity of perfectionism (hint: it’s not about productivity)10 signs you’re stuck in the perfectionism trap (and may not know it)6 places perfectionism originates — and how to heal them10 powerful tools to rewire your brain for action, not paralysisWhy perfectionism costs you money, impact, relationships — and peaceHow to rebuild your progress muscle (and ditch the “perfect” prison)   Key Takeaways: ✔️Perfectionism is not a standard — it’s a fear. ✔️Productivity isn’t about doing it all — it’s about doing what matters, imperfectly. ✔️Awareness creates choice. Once you see where it started, you can rewrite it. ✔️Progress beats perfect. Always. ✔️Your worth isn’t in flawless execution — it’s in consistent, courageous action. ✔️Perfectionism is a form of self-sabotage. And it’s costing you more than you realize. ✔️Rewiring starts with honesty — and a little help from your support network.   Timestamps & Highlights: [0:00] – Perfectionism is self-rejection in disguise [3:56] – The perfectionism trap (and why it’s so sneaky) [6:45] – 10 signs you’re stuck in perfectionism (micromanaging, overthinking, burnout & more) [21:38] – Where perfectionism really comes from (childhood, culture, trauma, and identity) [33:10] – The 10 tools to overcome it: how to shift into action, progress, and freedom [44:30] – Why peace comes from progress, not perfection [47:30] – Free journal prompts + invitation to share this episode   Your Challenge This Week: Ready to break the perfectionism trap?Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or friend stuck in the cycleGet the free journal prompts in the show notesDM George on Instagram @itsgeorgebryant and say: “I’m done with perfectionism. Help me stay accountable.” Bonus: Free Journal Prompts Journaling Prompts to Break Free from Perfectionism 1. Know Where It Came From - “You can’t heal what you won’t face.”What early experiences shaped how I define success or self-worth?Where in my childhood or past did I learn that being perfect was necessary for love, safety, or approval? 2. Embrace Imperfection as Part of Growth - “Mistakes are not detours — they’re data.”When have I grown the most from something that didn’t go as planned?What would change in my business if I saw imperfection as progress? 3. Set Realistic Standards - “Perfection is not the goal. Progress is.”Where am I holding myself to impossible or unsustainable expectations?What does ‘good enough to launch’ actually look like in this season? 4. Prioritize Action Over Perfection - “Waiting for perfect is just a form of hiding.”What decision or project am I avoiding by telling myself ‘it’s not ready yet’?What’s the smallest action I could take today that moves it forward? 5. Delegate with Trust, Not Control - “Trying to do everything yourself is a fast track to burnout.”Where in my business am I still trying to control outcomes because I don’t trust others?What task could I delegate this week that would give me breathing room? 6. Challenge Self-Criticism - “Your inner critic is not the truth — it’s just a habit.”What are some common phrases I say to myself when I feel behind, messy, or ‘not enough’?What would I say to a close friend in that same situation — and how can I say that to myself now? 7. Recognize the Cost of Perfectionism - “If perfection is your standard, joy will always be out of reach.”What has chasing perfection actually cost me in energy, time, or peace?What could I gain — emotionally, financially, relationally — if I let perfectionism go? 8. Celebrate Progress - “Success is made of stacked micro-wins.”What wins (big or small) have I skipped over this week without celebrating?What would it feel like to pause and fully receive them? 9. Use Feedback as Fuel - “Feedback is a mirror, not a verdict.”What recent feedback triggered me — and why?If I separate ego from evaluation, what useful insight does this feedback hold? 10. Create a Support System - “You weren’t meant to do this alone.”Who are 1–3 people I trust to hold me accountable and remind me of my worth when I forget?How can I intentionally ask for their support, feedback, or truth this week? Let’s rebuild your business from the inside out:Join The Alliance – The Relationship Beats Algorithms™ communityApply for 1:1 Coaching – Strategy that serves your soul and your systemsLive Events – Get in the room where deep clarity happens: mindofgeorge.com/event