The Perfectionism Trap | Why "Perfect" Is Never Actually About You

Are you trying to behave in a certain way to maximize outside approval? In this episode of Brave Moves, Julie DeLucca-Collins unpacks why perfectionism isn't a high standard — it's a rejection of your true self, and a symptom of chasing an outside standard instead of trusting the inner perfection that already exists within you.Julie breaks down the difference between the perfectionist voice, obsessed with how things look to others, and the self-trusting voice, guided by inner authenticity and self-worth. She explores why striving for outer perfection is a recipe for misery and powerlessness, how perfectionism quietly spreads to our expectations of those around us, and what it actually looks like to live a self-directed life rather than an approval-driven one.If you've ever felt like nothing you do is ever quite enough, this episode offers a research-informed, deeply practical reframe on perfectionism, self-worth, and authenticity,  plus a free tool to help you find where outer-approval perfectionism might be shrinking your voice.In this episode:Why perfectionism is an outside standard, not a high standardThe link between perfectionism and authenticityTwo internal voices: outer approval vs. inner trustWhy perfectionism leads to misery and powerlessnessHow perfectionism spreads to the people around youMoving from approval-driven to self-directed livingThis week's Brave Move + free Thought Leadership AssessmentIf you loved this episode, text me and let me know what you though. Support the showJoin the CommunityBrave Moves is a daily confidence and personal growth podcast for ambitious women, women entrepreneurs, and leaders who are ready to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and take bold action in business and life. Each short, practical episode blends mindset science, decision-making psychology, and real-life stories to help you strengthen your confidence, rewire negative thought patterns, and create meaningful forward momentum.If you are navigating career pivots, burnout, reinvention, or leadership growth, Brave Moves gives you the tools to think differently, act bravely, and design a future aligned with your values and vision. Because confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, one brave move at a time.Liked this episode? Share it with your midlife woman, entrepreneur friends!Love this show? Let us know how we helped you increase your confidence by leaving a review.For more about me and what I do, check out my website.If you’re looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you’d be a good fit for one of my coaching programs.Fo...