

The Perfectionism Project
Sam Laura Brown
Perfectionism makes even the smartest business owners get in their own way, which is why the Perfectionism Project is a podcast full of perfectionism advice for entrepreneurs.
Your host is Sam Laura Brown, perfectionism coach and founder of Perfectionists Getting Sh*t Done. With her conversational podcast episodes and relatable stories, Sam will motivate you to get out of your own way and help you feel less alone as you navigate the ups and downs of business.
Filled with practical advice, this podcast is for entrepreneurs of any kind who are ready to skyrocket their productivity levels and stop holding themselves back. Subscribe today to discover how to overcome perfectionism, escape the all-or-nothing mindset and stop procrastinating so you can become more productive and build a successful business.
For even more perfectionism advice to help you with your business, follow Sam on Instagram @perfectionismproject or sign up for Perfectionists Getting Sh*t Done at samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.
Your host is Sam Laura Brown, perfectionism coach and founder of Perfectionists Getting Sh*t Done. With her conversational podcast episodes and relatable stories, Sam will motivate you to get out of your own way and help you feel less alone as you navigate the ups and downs of business.
Filled with practical advice, this podcast is for entrepreneurs of any kind who are ready to skyrocket their productivity levels and stop holding themselves back. Subscribe today to discover how to overcome perfectionism, escape the all-or-nothing mindset and stop procrastinating so you can become more productive and build a successful business.
For even more perfectionism advice to help you with your business, follow Sam on Instagram @perfectionismproject or sign up for Perfectionists Getting Sh*t Done at samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 1, 2020 • 31min
Ep 168: How To Have Your Most Productive Year Ever
Perfectionists love feeling productive. But if you want to create true productivity in your life, there are a few practical things you must master. So that’s what I’m sharing in this episode! Tune in to learn 6 practical tips that will help you get shit done - no matter how unproductive you’ve been in the last 12 months! And if you want to dive even deeper into what I share in this episode, I highly recommend joining our group coaching program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. You deserve to be successful and I’m here to be your guide. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why goal-setting is essential if you want to be more productive Whether your goals should be ‘realistic’ or not The power of focus and how it will make you more productive Why you must be willing to feel uncomfortable if you want to be more productive What self-sabotage is and why you must call it out The importance of a progress log or weekly check-in Why you need to review the last 12 months before moving onto the next Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our group coaching program Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our group coaching program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our community for recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more! You’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 29, 2019 • 56min
Ep 167: Business Lessons From 2019
In my opinion, starting and growing a business is one of the most powerful personal development tools that exist. So it’s fitting that many of the most important lessons I’ve learned have come from my business. Tune in to learn more about what I learned from my success, failures, and fears this year! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why ‘what got you here won’t get you there’ What building our team has taught me and what I still have left to learn The experience that made me realise I should never say never What it takes to scale a six-figure business The important revelation I had after going full-time in my business Why every level of success is uncomfortable Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our group coaching program Episode 114: How To Take Action *Before * You Feel Confident Episode 125: How I Transitioned From Full-Time Work To Full-Time Entrepreneurship Systems Rock Asana Airtable Erin May Henry Self-Coaching Scholars The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo The Mind Your Business Podcast with James Wedmore Linchpin by Seth Godin Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our group coaching program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our community for recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more! You’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 25, 2019 • 1h 1min
Ep 166: Personal Development Lessons From 2019
Since I record a personal growth update every month, you might already be familiar with what this year looked like for me. There were a lot of wins and some exciting travel opportunities, but also a lot of failure and discomfort in between! Since I’m such a big believer in reviewing your year, I thought I’d share my year in review with you! In this episode, I’m diving into my biggest personal development lessons from 2019. Be sure to tune into Episode 167 if you want to know my biggest business lessons from 2019 too! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why achieving your goals won’t make you happier or more confident The power of letting an ebb be and ebb, without judgement Why I chose to work on fewer projects this year and the impact that’s had How I’ve followed my fear this year and how it’s helped me Why I tend to work harder whenever I’m feeling lack, rather than thinking at a higher level My favourite mindset habits and whether or not they make a real difference Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our group coaching program Episode 78: Why It Will Never Get Better Than This Episode 105: What A Six Figure Business *Really* Feels Like Episode 114: How To Take Action *Before * You Feel Confident Episode 116: Personal Growth Update May 2019 Episode 125: How I Transitioned From Full-Time Work To Full-Time Entrepreneurship Erin May Henry Self-Coaching Scholars Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our group coaching program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our community for recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more! You’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 22, 2019 • 36min
Ep 165: 5 Practical Tips To Stop Being A People Pleaser
When we’re people pleasing, we’re lying. It’s hard to hear - but it’s true! While people pleasing can feel like a selfless and noble act of love, it’s really just a strategy we use to avoid discomfort and rejection. Which means that the reason we people please has nothing to do with the people we’re pleasing and everything to do with us! In this episode, I’m sharing 5 practical tips to stop being a people pleaser. I’m still on this journey myself but I hope this advice will help you begin to strengthen your integrity with yourself and those around you. Even just a small change in your behaviour can make a huge difference! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why people pleasing is a selfish behaviour The real reason that we people please Why it’s so important to see what people pleasing is costing you How to say no without making excuses Why it’s so uncomfortable to stop people pleasing What other people will do when you stop people pleasing and why that’s ok The power of self-compassion and why it’s needed throughout this process Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 18, 2019 • 40min
Ep 164: Should You Wake Up Early?
If you google the phrase “waking up early” you’ll find a stream of tips to help you get up at 5am and lengthy articles about the benefits of this habit. On the other hand, if you google the phrase “staying up late” you’ll see articles designed to comfort those who feel bad for this habit alongside warnings that staying up late might lead you to an early grave. Interesting, right? In the personal development world, it’s often said that waking up early is the key to success. To support this - lists of successful people who wake up early are given as evidence. But is waking up early a habit that everyone should pursue? I personally don’t think so! In this episode, I’m sharing some questions that will help you figure out if you should wake up early or if you really shouldn’t. I hope you find it helpful and that this gives you permission to feel good about whatever time of day you choose to wake up. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why waking up early might not be for you The thought process behind my personal decision to wake up early 5 questions to help you decide when you should wake up early Why it’s so important to have a compelling reason to wake up early The real reasons you find it so hard to wake up on your alarm Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community Episode 95: The Secret To Waking Up Early Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 15, 2019 • 36min
Ep 163: 6 Steps To Get Out Of Your Own Way
There’s so much fluffy advice about how to overcome perfectionism that we hear all of the time - like “just remember that nobody’s perfect” and “it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks”. But what are you meant to do when you intellectually understand those statements and yet you still find yourself shooting for perfection on every occasion? You do what I’m sharing in this episode! In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what you need to do in order to overcome perfectionism. Tune in to learn the complete 6 step process to overcome perfectionism. I’m also excited to announce that my course Get Out Of Your Own Way, which teaches each of these 6 steps in detail, has now been added to our membership Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. Click here to find out more about our membership community and join us today. In This Episode You’ll Learn: 6 steps to overcome perfectionism The importance of understanding what perfectionism is and isn’t Why you haven’t been able to believe you’re good enough yet How to create self-confidence and take action even when you don’t feel ready The power of being decisive Why setting big goals will help you overcome perfectionism How to stop letting the fear of disappointment hold you back The exciting new addition to Perfectionists Getting Shit Done that will help you get out of your own way Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 11, 2019 • 53min
Ep 162: How I Realised I’m A Perfectionist
Despite it now being my day job to talk about perfectionism, it was only a few years ago that I actually realised I was a perfectionist! There are so many misconceptions around perfectionism that until my mid-twenties, I thought I wasn’t perfect enough to be a perfectionist. And because I didn’t realise I was a perfectionist, I felt like I was the only one struggling with procrastination, crippling self-doubt, overthinking and being all-or-nothing. Realising that I’m a perfectionist gave me a whole new vocabulary that has allowed me to change my life for the better - because it’s only when you realise you’re a perfectionist that you become empowered to overcome perfectionism. In this episode, I’m opening up about my journey with perfectionism and the important points along the way. I can’t remember everything but I hope that what I share in this episode helps you understand yourself a little bit more. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why I didn’t think I was a perfectionist until I was in my mid-twenties The most common misconceptions about perfectionism The childhood experience that I made mean I wasn’t good enough Why it’s not necessary to dissect your past in order to overcome perfectionism What caused my perfectionist tendencies to begin causing problems The most important teachers on my personal development journey Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community Mindset by Carol Dweck Carol Dweck interview with Tom Bilyeu Episode 22: How Personal Development Helped Me Overcome Self-Doubt Episode 45: 10 Signs You’re A Perfectionist Episode 57: 7 Differences Between Perfectionists + High Achievers Episode 59: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Episode 118: Thoughts That Create A Growth Mindset Episode 135: 7 Signs You Have A Fixed Mindset Episode 158: 5 Life-Changing Lessons About Perfectionism From Brené Brown Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 8, 2019 • 30min
Ep 161: 3 Procrastination Tips That Don’t Work For Perfectionists
Procrastination is a topic that’s close to many perfectionists’ hearts and most of us are trying to stop the habit by following advice from others. But sometimes, there are pieces of advice that do more harm than good - especially if you have a perfectionist mindset! So in this episode, I’m sharing 3 common procrastination tips that don’t work for perfectionists, why they don’t work and what to do instead. I hope you find it helpful! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why blocking the internet won’t help you beat procrastination long-term The practical way I stop myself from getting distracted when doing deep work The reason that changing your environment doesn’t provide long-lasting motivation How to be productive regardless of your environment Why intellectually knowing that perfection isn’t possible doesn’t actually help Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community Episode 7: How To Stop Procrastinating Episode 156: Once A Procrastinator, Always A Procrastinator? Episode 160: How To Be More Productive When Working From Home Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 4, 2019 • 40min
Ep 160: How To Be More Productive When Working From Home
I used to believe - hand on heart - that it was impossible for me to be productive at home. When I was a student, I went to the library to study. When I was an accountant, I stayed back late in the office. And when I became an entrepreneur, I worked from a co-working space. If I needed to get shit done, I needed to be out of the house to do it. That was, until I changed a few important things that made it easy to be productive from home - even after a decade of believing it couldn’t be done! In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to be more productive from home. Many of which you probably haven’t heard before. Enjoy! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why believing you can’t be productive from home is a self-fulfilling prophecy The reason it’s so important to create boundaries around when you will and won’t work How to say no to people who want to see you during your work hours The power of constraint and why you need to create time for yourself to rest without guilt Why planning your time makes all the difference (even if you feel too busy for planning) Why self-respect will make you more productive from home Featured In The Episode: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done - our membership community Episode 75: How To Stop Working For Work’s Sake Myleik Teele’s Podcast Join us in Perfectionists Getting Shit Done: If you enjoy listening to this podcast, I highly recommend checking out our membership community Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. When you join our global community of recovering perfectionists, you’ll get instant access to our ever-growing library of personal development tools designed to help you beat procrastination, overcome perfectionism and become your best self - it includes masterclasses, coaching calls, journaling exercises, workbooks, meditations and more. And you’ll have the option to learn everything on the go with easy mobile access. Plus with judgement-free support from our beautiful community every step along the way, you’ll never have to feel alone again. It’s time to create the success you deserve. Join our membership community today at samlaurabrown.com/membership.

Dec 1, 2019 • 34min
Ep 159: Personal Growth Update November 2019
I always talk about the fact that personal development is uncomfortable, but this month I was really reminded of that. Behind the scenes I’ve been building our team so we can impact more people - which means I’ve had to learn a lot about empowering others and letting go (which isn’t easy for a perfectionist). I’ve also been preparing for a month overseas, creating business systems and struggling not to hit snooze. I record a personal growth update every month so you can get a feel for what personal development is really like. Spoiler alert: it’s not an endless stream of breakthroughs, aha moments and checked off to-do lists! I hope these episodes make you feel less alone on your personal development journey and that they help you to embrace the messiness that comes along with it. Enjoy! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why I was snoozing my alarm and how I got myself back on track What I’ve learned about focus and what I’m focusing on right now Why being focused means saying no What I’ve done in my business to get organised for my overseas trip The sneaky self-sabotage I’ve noticed this month Why it’s empowering that there is no ‘formula’ to personal growth or business Featured In The Episode: Our membership community, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done