Dr. Flowers shares strategies for entrepreneurs and leaders to overcome limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors grounded in neuroscience, psychological safety, and emotional resilience.
Are you humble or are you hiding?
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Hi Reader, Have your ‘high standards’ ever been an excuse to hide? I only ask this because I know you care deeply about quality. It's part of what’s made you so successful up to this point. But if you’re not careful, your standards can cause you to wait instead of move. This happens because there's a version of perfectionism that is incredibly nuanced because it doesn't look like fear. Instead, it disguises itself as thoroughness. It sounds like "I just want to get it right." And for high-achieving leaders, it is one of the most tempting traps there is. Excellence asks, Is this good enough to create real value? Excellence is driven by purpose whereas perfectionism is driven by protection. What this looks like is excellence will continue to propel you forward - even when conditions aren't ideal, while perfectionism will keep you waiting in the name of "preparation." Because you've built something real and have done hard things, you already know you have genuine standards. But if your standards have quietly become a place to hide from visibility, vulnerability, or the possibility of being judged, it’s worth some inner self-reflection. Here's 2 steps you can take right now to avoid perfectionism while maintaining excellence Step 1: Ask the honest question
Look at one thing you've been refining, delaying, or sitting on. Ask yourself, "Am I making this better, or am I making myself feel safer?" The answer will guide your next move.
Step 2: Set a "good enough to go" standard
Before you begin your next project or deliverable, define in advance what done looks like (not perfect, not flawless) just complete and valuable. Then honor it!
The world doesn't need your perfect work. It needs your present and current work. innerReflection: P.S. Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways we can work together: * I'm so excited to welcome the newest members to Transcend ✨ (my mindset mastermind)! If you'd like to learn more, head right here to join the waitlist (at no obligation to you). Join me on a journey where I guide leaders and entrepreneurs to actively release limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors through a process of inner exploration... and outer transformation! * I’m actively scheduling organizational and workplace wellness trainings for the month of May which is Mental Health Awareness Month, but there are only 2 remaining spots for May! If your organization or ERG would like to explore a talk on strengthening the mental and emotional wellness of your team, you can fill out the interest form here. I'd love to discuss partnering with your organization! * Want a 1:1 Mindset Strategy Session with Dr. Flowers? From time to time, I open a limited number of private mindset strategy and advisory sessions for select members of my community. If and when those become available, you'll find all the details and get first dibs by joining the waitlist right here. To Releasing Over Perfecting! Enjoyed this newsletter? Feel free to forward this email (in its entirety) to someone who may benefit! Received this newsletter from a friend? Feel free to sign up here, and receive a free mindset planner as a ‘thank you!’ |
Dr. Siobhan D. Flowers
Dr. Flowers shares strategies for entrepreneurs and leaders to overcome limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors grounded in neuroscience, psychological safety, and emotional resilience.
Hi Reader, Have you ever noticed self-doubt seems to get loudest right before you hit send, make the ask, or green-light a decision? This is your brain’s threat detector (the amygdala) asking for safety. And when this type of uncertainty spikes, your body gears up, and the rational thinking part of your brain (your prefrontal cortex) gets a little fuzzy which cues behaviors like perfectionism or avoidance. All you have to do in these moments is give your brain a sense of safety and certainty...
Hi Reader, I was in conversation with a group of business leaders last week where some were feeling an inner resistance around launching a new offer… Due to what ultimately amounted to a ‘fear of failure.’ I shared how we tend to treat failure like a final verdict - like it’s concrete evidence that we’re not ready, capable, or worthy. But ironically enough, when it comes to testing new ideas and initiatives… Failure is simply part of the research and development process… The same process...
Hey Reader, This month, let’s talk about the one thing leaders aren’t talking about enough… As the ambitious leader that you are, you're probably juggling 100 tabs in your brain… Clients, deadlines, payroll, strategy, vision… the list goes on. But where do YOU fit into your own 'to-do' list? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a powerful reminder that our impact starts from within. Because distress and burnout don’t just appear overnight… It creeps up first as a whisper seeking...