Perfectionism is a double-edged sword—especially for elite performers. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, artist, or executive, that constant push to “get it right” can quietly evolve into burnout and frustration.
In our exclusive Sweat, Strategy, and Success conversation, Lacey Henderson—Paralympian, speaker, model, and certified mental performance coach (now working with the Portland Timbers)—shares the surprising antidote to perfection paralysis: messy wins.
🧠 “When we take risks, we have breakthroughs. But they can be messy. They’re not perfect—and they don’t have to be.”
Instead of striving for flawless outcomes, Lacey urges high performers to embrace controlled chaos—especially in training, where the stakes are low and the lessons are high.
💡 What’s her go-to daily habit for high performers?
✍️ Reflection. One page of journaling, a quiet meditation, or mindful movement after a workout. The goal? Gracefully reviewing what went right (or wrong) without letting the inner critic take over.
Her mantra?
Win messy. Win ugly. A win is still a win.
Whether you're building a business, crafting your next campaign, or preparing for your next big opportunity, Lacey's advice is clear: Focus less on flawless execution and more on consistent effort, daily reflection, and resilience in the face of the imperfect.
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