Hi there, Reader!

Welcome to the last installment of our email series on powerful perspectives to put in your favorite tote back and carry with you into 2025. The last couple of weeks reframe for a commonly-held belief on public speaking in hopes you'll look at the possibilities and opportunities for impact through a different lens next year.

So far, we've covered the antidote to imposter syndrome and the #1 way to make any public speaking opportunity feel loads lighter. If you've missed either one, I hope you'll hop over and check it out.

Because perspective changes everything. It's worth taking the time to change the stories and beliefs that can hold us back before you walk into the new year.

As I've shared, I believe with my whole heart that 2025 will be a big year for all of us. There's more opportunity than ever for women who are ready to step up, speak up and shine.

To be clear, that doesn't have to mean pursuing a dream of being a professional speaker. Maybe it does. For some of my audience, you've told me that's your goal.

For others, the goal is to gain clarity and competence to be a more impactful communicator and leader, no matter the stage, board room, interview setting, or conversation.

Whatever dream you're chasing in 2025, showing up with clarity, authenticity and confidence will carry you much farther!

A Powerful Reframe on Perfection

Perfectionism is the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. It's traveling companions are self-criticism and the fear of judgment from others. Perfectionism isn't about high standards. It's about beating ourselves silly with a whiffle ball bat filled with impossible expectations.

It's holding ourselves to a standard that says anything that's not perfect equals failure.

It's a guaranteed recipe for anxiety, discouragement and limited impact.

My guess is you know perfectionism well. Most of the amazing, awesome women leaders I know do. We push ourselves to work hard, show up consistently and do great things.

What's wrong with that? I'm glad you asked. 😜

I'll bet you've lived long enough to find that most things—even good, helpful things—are no longer good and helpful when taken to extremes.

Expecting a lot of yourself and being willing to work hard to achieve your goals is part of the magic that has brought you to where you are. When we hold ourselves to only one perfect standard, with no room for deviation, we get into trouble.

The Cost of Perfection

Besides the internal beating the pursuit of perfection serves up on the regular, it holds you back on the outside as well. It keeps us playing small and safe where there's no risk of mistakes.

And no risk of success.

We know we miss 100% of the shots we don't take. But dang is it hard to take shots you're not sure you can make. I know it is for me. And it holds us back.

The pressure to get it just right makes us hesitate and procrastinate. We overthink like it's an Olympic sport. And sometimes we never take the shot because we keep waiting to be sure. We miss opportunities for influence, impact and success when we wait for perfect conditions inside and out.

Worst of all, the emotional toll can serve a death blow to our dreams and goals. Carrying this impossible standard drains your energy, strength and resilience, leaving little room for joy and presence.

The Solution to Perfectionism

The most powerful reframe I've found to shift my focus on perfection is this:

Connection over perfection.

When you focus on perfection, you're focused on yourself. After all, your performance determines whether you hit the mark or not, right?

Focusing on ourselves always brings fear into the equation.

When you focus on helping, empowering and connecting with the people in front of you, fear takes a backseat.

Here are a few ways I've found to let go of perfection so you can lean into connection:

🩷 Shift the goal: Redefine success. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for connection, impact, authenticity. Remember that success isn’t about getting it exactly right. It’s about making others feel seen, cared for and empowered.

🩷 Own your humanity: Perfection is not relatable. Embrace the idea that imperfection is relatable. Share a personal story, admit when you don’t know something and let your personality shine. Vulnerability is a bridge to trust.

🩷 Focus on your audience: When you center your attention on serving your audience—helping them, encouraging them, or inspiring them—you take the focus off yourself and the idea of getting it exactly right.

🩷 Start messy, grow confident: Remember that clarity and confidence come from action, not over-preparation. Be willing to start before you feel ready, knowing you’ll refine and improve along the way. You may just find that the journey is the point.

🩷 Practice self-compassion: Speak to yourself as you would a close friend. Celebrate effort, progress and courage rather than fixating on flaws.

The pursuit of perfection can only hold you back, make you feel terrible and keep you from doing the awesome work you're here to do. Connection, on the other hand, sets the stage for all the impact you could possibly imagine!

Speaking of 2025, I'm working on a few new courses, resources and group coaching opportunities I'll be releasing early in the new year.

I'd love to know what your greatest need is in the area of public speaking. Would you take 2 seconds and respond to this quick poll?

Two things will happen when you do:

1 - You'll be taken to a page where you can see the results. It's always fascinating to see what other women leaders think and experience.

2 - I'll add you to the waitlist for the release of the resource that addresses your specific need. No obligation, of course. But being on the waitlist means you have the first shot when seating is limited. And it comes with a sweet discount when it's time to sign up!

I'm excited for 2025, sister. For me and for you. I know this:

Your message matters.

I can't wait to see what you'll do with it this coming year!

Always in your corner 🩷

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

⭐️ Looking for an engaging, energetic, impactful speaker for your event?
⭐️ Ready to empower your leaders or team to communicate with clarity and confidence?
⭐️ Not sure about your best next step to craft the message that grows your business and personal brand?

Let's taco bout it! 🌮

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