01: Pause to start before you feel ready…
Perfectionism doesn’t look like fear. It looks like research.
It looks like planning, refining, and preparing, again and again.
For years, I called it being thorough.
But really, I was hiding.
The Metal Element of Autumn gives us precision and structure.
It helps us build systems and uphold standards.
But when it’s out of balance, that strength hardens.
We polish instead of publish.
That was me with the Tea Mind podcast.
I spent years researching microphones instead of recording.
I wanted it perfect before it ever existed.
Eventually, I stopped waiting.
I recorded with what I had.
The sound wasn’t perfect, but it was real.
Each week I learned something new.
Progress replaced paralysis.
True refinement doesn’t come from endless preparation.
It comes from practice, from friction, from showing up.
Now, when I feel myself tightening, I make tea.
Watching the leaves open reminds me that clarity comes from release, not control.
If you’re caught between planning and doing, start small.
Brew a cup of Yellow Gold Oolong or Orange Oolong Supreme.
Let it remind you: balance isn’t found in control, but in movement.
Perfection keeps you waiting.
Action helps you grow.
What could you start today, even before you feel ready?
📷 Erica Moore, The Tea Mind
02
The Science of Everyday Wonder
Be aware of perfectionism’s dark side and start cultivating healthier ways to achieve more. Listen to this psychological deep-dive into when high standards become pathological perfectionism.
Listen now: Hidden Brain
📷 Hidden Brain
03
Mediocrity and perfectionism
In this blog, Seth Godin argues that refusing to ship because something isn’t flawless is a form of hiding; “if it doesn’t ship, it doesn’t count.”
Read now: Seth Godin Blog
📷 Erica Moore, The Tea Mind
Ways to connect with me 💬
DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/
Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x
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