When Good Enough is Really Good Enough:

Letting Go of Perfectionism

By Erin Bennington MSW, LCSW  

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, I often work with clients grappling with the weight of perfectionism and the anxiety it creates.  Whether a parent is trying to create the perfect home environment, a professional aiming for flawless work performance, or a student striving for straight A's, these expectations can be crushing. The constant pursuit of perfectionism can be exhausting, leaving little room for self-compassion or balance.  I often challenge my clients to embrace the idea that “good enough” can indeed be good enough.

Perfectionism thrives on the belief that anything less than flawless is a failure.  This mindset can lead to procrastination, burnout, or even paralysis when facing tasks.  It often stems from deep- rooted fears of inadequacy or the need for external validation.  While striving for excellence is not inherently bad, it can impact our overall emotional, mental, and physical health when it morphs into an unrelenting standard. Understanding that “good enough”; does not mean settling but accepting realistic expectations is key.  When we allow space for our humanness and the imperfection that comes with that, we can prioritize what truly matters and let go of the rest.

To begin embracing “good enough” in your daily life, set realistic expectations and break larger goals into more manageable steps. Setting time limits for tasks to avoid endless reviewing and revising can also be helpful.  Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would a friend, especially when the perfectionism loop of thoughts sets in. Remember that making mistakes is normal and essential for learning and growth.  When you notice perfectionistic thoughts arising, pause and ask yourself “What would ‘good enough’  look like in this situation?”  Slowly incorporating these practices, you can build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find more contentment and joy in your accomplishments, even if you have not achieved perfection.

I look forward to speaking on February 6th, 2025 at the YMCA about the correlation between perfectionism and anxiety. I will offer practical support for teens, young adults, and adults to help manage the tricky yet important concept of when “Good Enough is Really Good Enough”.

Erin Bennigton, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, who understands life is challenging!  In today’s fast-paced world, where over-scheduling and relentless demands on our time have become the norm, stress can often feel overwhelming. In this talk, she will provide practical strategies to help us embrace ‘When Good Enough Is Good Enough’ by prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and finding contentment in doing enough rather than everything. 

Erin serves Basking Ridge and surrounding communities at Rise Up Counseling Center, where she provides a nurturing and safe space for clients to express their unique stories. Through her approaches, she equips her clients with effective tools and strategies to reclaim their lives and envision a brighter, more hopeful future.