As creators, dreamers, and doers, we often find ourselves chasing an elusive horizon of perfection. We tell ourselves, “I’ll start that passion project when the timing is just right—when I have more experience, more resources, more certainty.” But what if, in waiting for the stars to align, we’re missing out on the profound growth and fulfillment that comes from embracing the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of bringing our dreams to life?
Today, I want to share a story about a friend’s long-held desire to write and illustrate a children’s book. Her story is one that resonates with so many of us—one of big dreams deferred by the busyness of life and the transformative power of finally saying yes to what lights us up inside. Through her experience and my own reflections, I hope to provide not just heartfelt encouragement but also practical wisdom for anyone who’s been putting their deepest desires on the back burner. So, let’s dive in and start turning those dreams into reality.
From Inspiration to Action
Six years ago, when my friend’s first grandchild was born, she felt inspired—overflowing with love for this new little being and inspired by a stray kitten she and her husband had adopted. She started sketching out the story of Little Jimmy. Jimmy’s the kitten, not the grandkid. Anyway, she started sketching out the story of Jimmy for a children’s book. In stolen moments between work and family commitments, she cooked the tale along about an energetic kitten learning to adjust to new life with humans. She poured her heart into these pages, delighting in the creative process. I could tell how much love she had for the project when she shared what she was doing. But as the months turned into years, the book remained unfinished, tucked away in a drawer. She’d say, “I’ll complete it when I retire in a few years or when I have more time and energy to devote to it.” Can you relate to this? Is there a project or aspiration that tugs at your heart but keeps getting postponed for a better time that never quite seems to come?
My friend’s story got me reflecting on the countless half-written novels, unrecorded songs, and untaken adventures that haunt the quiet corners of all our lives. Why do we often resist the pull of what we long for the most? A few key insights emerged as I pondered this question in my own life. The first one we’ll talk about is the P-word: perfectionism.
Perfectionism: The Dream Killer
Perfectionism is a dream killer. As a recovering perfectionist myself, I know firsthand how this sneaky saboteur can keep us stuck in a holding pattern, forever waiting for the right conditions to take flight. We tell ourselves we need more skills, resources, and a fail-proof plan before we begin. But I’ve learned that perfectionism is often fear in disguise. How does that sit with you? Really, it’s a misguided attempt to protect ourselves from the vulnerability of putting our creations and our true selves out there.
When I started my business, I delayed launching my website for months because I wanted it to be pixel-perfect. I couldn’t launch without having the course completely done, and I agonized over every word and every design detail, convinced that it had to be flawless to be valuable. But you know what? When I finally launched the imperfect version, the world didn’t end. In fact, I started attracting my first clients, getting feedback, and improving as I went. The site that once felt so inadequate was still infinitely more powerful than the perfect one that would have never seen the light of day. And guess what? It’s still a work in progress. Imagine if I had waited! Speaking of which, go check out truebasis.co and let me know what you think of my site.
The artist Salvador Dali wisely said, have no fear of perfection because you’re never going to reach it. Well, he said it a little more eloquently, but that’s my interpretation. So, with that in mind, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to start before you feel ready. Trust that growth and refinement will come through the process. Remember, it’s the sketch before the masterpiece that holds the magic. Which leads me to my second insight: the mess and the magic. Or the magic in the mess—either way.
The Journey is the Treasure
The journey itself is the real treasure, not the destination. When we fixate solely on the end goal, we often miss the profound gifts and growth that come from engaging in the process. Think of a time when you were completely absorbed in an activity—maybe it was painting, hiking, cooking, or playing with a child. Chances are, you weren’t obsessing about the final product; you were immersed in the simple joy and aliveness of the moment. What if we approached our dreams and goals with that same presence and open-hearted journey? How might things change?
My friend, the aspiring children’s book author, embodied this beautifully. When she finally committed to carving out a couple of hours a week for her project, even amidst the busyness of life, something shifted. She started savoring the quiet early mornings sketching, typing up the words, figuring out how she would prepare it for publishing. She delighted in which stories of Jimmy she’d share and giggled to herself when she wrote playful dialogue. The story evolved organically as she welcomed inspiration from her own life. The book is still in progress. And let me tell you, when it’s finished, I will definitely give a copy to every mom-to-be because it is going to be so good from what I’ve seen.
Rewriting Limiting Stories
Lastly, let’s compassionately examine the limiting beliefs and stories that often prevent us from pursuing what we really want. The “I’m not creative enough,” or “I don’t have the time or resources,” or “I’m too old to start something new.” Do any of these sound familiar? Here’s the thing: our beliefs create our reality. When we buy into these restrictive narratives, they become self-fulfilling prophecies. They keep us stuck in a loop of doubt and inaction. But when we dare to question and reframe them, whole new worlds of possibility open up.
One of my favorite practices is to take a limiting belief and imagine its opposite. For example, if the story is “I don’t have time to work on my novel,” try on “I have all the time I need to bring my story to life, one page at a time.” Can you feel the energy of that statement versus the initial one? Now, what new choices and actions do you think would flow from that empowered belief? Another potent reframe is to add the word “yet” to any statement or situation of lack or limitation. Such as “I don’t have the skills to start my business” becomes “I don’t have all the skills yet, but I am committed to learning as I go.” Suddenly, we shift from a dead end—a period at the end of a story—to an open path of growth. Remember, our stories are not set in stone. We can rewrite them in a way that supports and energizes us.
You know, I love the Sufi poet Rumi, and one of his writings states, “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” This has been coming to me recently. So let’s practice releasing the beliefs that confine us and holding fast to the dreams that really feed us.
Anyway, I hope this will be your gentle nudge to stop postponing what you long to create, experience, or offer to the world. Whether it’s a blog you’re wanting to start, signing up for an art class, or booking a trip—do it not because you’re ready, but because your heart is calling you forward. Trust that your unique journey, with all its twists, turns, and detours, is unfolding exactly as it needs to. Celebrate the small victories along the way. Lean into self-compassion when fear or perfectionism tries to pull you off track. Know that when you say yes to what lights you up, you inspire others to do the same. Your willingness to show up imperfectly and wholeheartedly allows others to take that leap. And when we do that, we create this ripple of resilience all around us.
So, if you’ve been holding off, let this be your sign. Begin now. Trust the process. Until next week, I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
