Imperfect Action Is Still Progress

Why Imperfect Action Is the Key to Healing

Perfectionism is sneaky. It can look like overachieving hyper-independence or even procrastination. If you are a high-achieving woman of colour who feels like you always need to get it right the first time, you are not alone. Many clients at Balens Therapy carry the invisible weight of perfectionism shaped by family expectations, cultural narratives and systemic pressure to excel.

But here is the truth. Waiting until everything is perfect can hold you back from real growth. Research shows that self-compassion and willingness to take imperfect steps lead to better emotional resilience and lower levels of anxiety and depression (Neff and Germer).

Imperfect Action in Therapy

Healing is not linear. Whether it is showing up to a session even when you do not feel like it, trying a new coping skill that feels awkward, or finally opening up about something painful, these small, brave moves matter. A 2020 study found that progress in therapy is often made through consistent imperfect engagement rather than big breakthroughs (Zilcha-Mano et al.).

Perfection tells you to delay. Healing invites you to begin.

You Deserve to Start

At Balens Therapy, we create space for you to be human, not flawless. You do not need to have it all figured out. All you need is a willingness to take one small step. Even a messy one.

Let’s Talk
If you are feeling stuck or scared to begin, book a free 20-minute consultation. We are here to walk with you, no matter where you are starting from.

Works Cited

Neff, Kristin D., and Christopher K. Germer. “A Pilot Study and Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 69, no. 1, 2013, pp. 28–44. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21923.

Zilcha-Mano, Sigal, et al. “Process Predictors of Sudden Gains in Therapeutic Alliance and Symptom Improvement.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, vol. 88, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000456.