Written by Eva Benmeleh, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Eva Benmeleh focuses on the multifaceted impact of perfectionism on individuals and their relationships. She is a clinical psychologist in private practice, an educator on maternal mental health and perfectionism, and the author of the book Sun and Moon Love Cloud: A Book about Divorce.
Perfectionism is often mistaken for a positive trait in the business world, especially in the healing niche. For many professionals in healing modalities, whether in entrepreneurship, coaching, healing, or therapy, perfection is the belief that "they have figured it out so completely that they are ready to lead others into their ultimate potential for self love, growth, and empowerment."
No one has it all figured out, and if someone claims to, what they have likely realized is that no one truly does. Some professionals have spent much of their lives learning the skills to help themselves and others break free from limiting beliefs and toxic patterns, only to realize that there is always more room for growth and improvement. Whenever someone says, “I am so spiritual” or “They are so asleep. I am awake to the truth, to enlightenment,” RUN! That belief is the quintessential sign that they are just as asleep as those who do not question reality.
The illusion that some are "more evolved" than others fuels perfectionism, leading to separation, martyrdom, and ego driven behaviors. This is the very foundation of spiritual bypassing, the avoidance of true inner work in favor of a polished image of enlightenment.
Many entrepreneurs, coaches, and healers strive for flawlessness, believing that their credibility, success, and impact depend on being perceived as perfect. However, perfectionism is not a badge of honor. It is a form of self sabotage that can stifle creativity, delay progress, and lead to burnout. The irony is that, in the beginning, striving for perfection seems like the gateway to success, only to derail growth and impact when we become ensnared by its illusory attainment. In chasing perfection, we miss the opportunities that could lead us to our highest potential.
The perfectionism trap in entrepreneurship, coaching, and healing
Entrepreneurs, especially those building personal brands, often feel immense pressure to present themselves as polished and infallible. The “fake it till you make it” motto is everywhere, but instead of exuding confidence, it often reeks of insecurity, overselling, and scarcity. While “fake it till you make it” can sometimes help build confidence, it becomes harmful when used to mask deep-seated insecurity instead of working through it authentically. Whether launching a new program, sharing content, or working with clients, the fear of making mistakes can lead to procrastination and hesitation. The original goal of helping others gets muddled in a mix of narcissistic and self-deprecating behaviors that blinds the entrepreneur from making meaningful progress.
For coaches and healers, the weight of perfectionism is even heavier. The expectation to always have the right answers, embody a certain level of personal mastery, and never show vulnerability can make them feel like frauds. This can trigger imposter syndrome, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as inadequate. The reality is that engaging in inner work is necessary to be your best self and to show up in that way for your clients. However, this often scares entrepreneurs away from confronting their personal belief systems head-on. This cycle creates delays in action and innovation. Launches of offers, programs, websites, or content are postponed out of fear of judgment or failure.
Progress is a long-term process, not a one-time achievement, yet perfectionists who view life as a series of rigid to-do lists struggle with this concept. They often resist the continuous journey of self-discovery, curiosity, questioning, and mastery, only to find themselves back at discovery once again. This mindset lays the groundwork for stress, burnout, and overworking for the wrong outcomes.
One of the biggest fears perfectionists face is being found out – that “love and light” also include “the shadow.” Without proper self-care and inner work, stagnation becomes inevitable. Imposter syndrome thrives on the fear that others will discover we don’t have it all together, when in reality, no one does. When entrepreneurs share their struggles and vulnerabilities, they create stronger connections with their clients and audiences.
Perfectionism is the opposite of authenticity. When professionals are vulnerable and consciously share their challenges as a means of personal and collective growth, clients feel a deeper connection with them. This connection creates a solid foundation that fosters trust and engagement – energetically, psychologically, and emotionally – throughout the entrepreneur’s entire enterprise.
So, what do you do about it?
Shift and pivot. Relax into self-analysis. Observe yourself and your progress, not from a pass-or-fail stance but from an adult, mature viewpoint. Each time professionals engage in inner work, they learn so much more about themselves that it becomes inevitable they will share these discoveries with others. It is essential to recognize that nothing can truly be faked, only embodied.
So instead of adding a negative spin to your growth with “fake it till you make it,” how about seeing it all as part of making it? That you are it, and that your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and actions reflect it. And if you do not like it, then pivot so that you start to. With awareness, sometimes we need to understand why we are not what we long to be in order to get closer to our goals. And the surprising part is that the why always shifts to something bigger, deeper, and wider each time we evolve into who we want to become.
In the meantime, set realistic standards
Professionals should check in with themselves. Are their ideas rooted in current reality, or are they based on wishful thinking regarding the changes needed to reach their goals? This is not to discourage you from trying but to ensure a genuine assessment of where you are and what you must do to get to the next step.
Embrace your origins. It is crucial to stop pretending to be something or someone that is not authentic. When you recognize and honor your origins, you create a sturdy foundation from which to grow. It is not a limiting belief; it is a strong step toward your future.
The path to freedom
Breaking free from perfectionism means giving yourself permission to be human. As an entrepreneur, coach, or healer, your success is not measured by flawless execution but by the impact you create, the lives you change, and the lessons you share. Perfectionism keeps you playing small. Authenticity and courage are what truly set you apart.
By letting go of the need to be perfect, professionals open themselves up to greater creativity, deeper connections, and a more fulfilling career.
Are you ready to let go of perfectionism and step into your true power? What is one way perfectionism has held you back in your business, and how are you working to shift into authenticity? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Read more from Eva Benmeleh
Eva Benmeleh, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Eva Benmeleh focuses on the multifaceted impact of perfectionism on individuals and their relationships. She is a clinical psychologist in private practice, an educator on maternal mental health and perfectionism, and the author of the book Sun and Moon Love Cloud: A Book about Divorce. She is committed to unraveling the polarities in perfectionism, integrating the striving for personal growth with harmonious flow. She is committed to working with individuals open to compassionate yet astute feedback, expanding their awareness, and making profound changes to the quality of their lives.
