The Mind Of George Show

The Perfectionism Trap

Episode Notes

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 them
• 10 powerful tools to rewire your brain for action, not paralysis
• Why perfectionism costs you money, impact, relationships — and peace
• How 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 cycle
• Get the free journal prompts in the show notes
• DM 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?

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