In this episode, we talked about:
- Toxic hustle and results-driven mindset
- Redefining success beyond achievement
- Prioritizing process over strict goal deadlines
- Rest, self-care, and the power of allowing yourself to just be
- Letting go of perfectionism in work, content creation, and life
- Achieving sustainable success by embracing the journey
Listen to the full episode now:
“Life is truly about living it; the journey matters more than the destination.”
Timestamp:
- 0:00 intro
- 0:20 how i used to be
- 1:42 changing my definition of ‘success’
- 3:50 focusing on the process and not the results
- 5:17 taking control of what i want to do in my free time instead of letting money pressure my decisions
- 7:49 taking care of yourself first as everything else will work out eventually
- 9:06 whenever I’m focused about “how it should be”, i feel more stressed out and uninspired
- 10:12 sometimes it’s okay to be just okay at things
- 11:06 summary
- 12:36 outro
“It’s okay to be okay. You don’t have to excel perfectly in everything.”
Detailed Summary:
Introduction
In this episode of Small Girl Big Talk, Wendy reflects on releasing the pressure of perfectionism, goal obsession, and the “shoulds” in life. Drawing from her experience as a high-achieving, results-driven individual, she explores how focusing on the process, prioritizing self-care, and allowing herself to rest has transformed her creative work, personal well-being, and approach to life.
The Pressure of “Should” and Results-Driven Mindset
- Toxic Hustle Culture: Wendy shares her past experience as a top achiever, always chasing results, recognition, and milestones.
- Goals vs. Life: She realized that focusing solely on goals can cause one to miss the journey of living.
- Redefining Success: While financial stability and achievement matter, true success also includes presence, well-being, and enjoying the moment.
Shifting Focus: From Results to Process
- Prioritize the Process: Emphasizing daily habits and actions over immediate results reduces stress and increases creativity.
- Content Creation & Business Growth: Letting go of strict deadlines allows for thoughtful and inspired work without burnout.
- Example: After a busy weekend hosting her fiancé’s family, Wendy allowed herself time to rest, nourish herself, and reflect before recording her podcast.
Allowing Yourself to Just Be
- Rest Without Guilt: Taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, and addressing emotional needs energizes you for future productivity.
- Let Go of Perfection: The quality of work or outcomes can be secondary to intention, presence, and meaningful effort.
- Examples:
- Recording a podcast with a simple webcam setup instead of a perfect studio.
- Cooking a meal that isn’t perfect but still fulfills the basic need of nourishment.
Benefits of Letting Go of “Shoulds”
- Flow and Efficiency: By addressing inner needs first, subsequent tasks are performed with greater energy and clarity.
- Sustainable Achievement: Progress continues without burnout, often with equal or better results than when forcing perfection.
- Joy in the Journey: Life becomes more about living fully in the present, rather than chasing only future outcomes.
Conclusion
Wendy encourages listeners to let go of rigid expectations, perfectionism, and the pressure of “shoulds.” By prioritizing self-care, focusing on the process, and allowing themselves to just be, listeners can enjoy life fully while achieving meaningful and sustainable results in both personal and professional pursuits.
