I’m rehearsing for a workshop I’m giving in a few weeks called “Why Creating A Habit Of Play Matters For Work And Life.“

It’s an interactive session where we’ll engage in group discussions, fun activities, and personal reflections. I love discussing this topic with audiences, and I want them to walk away feeling empowered to play more!

From my years singing in a choir, I remember the saying, “Practice makes perfect.”

The Hidden Trap of Perfectionism in Health Habits

What is perfect, really, though?

Let’s face it: The grip of perfection in health and wellness is real. 

Far too many clients I’ve worked with have struggled with being perfect with their habits. 

Perfectionism might sound like a high-achiever’s badge of honour, but it’s more like dragging an invisible anchor behind you — it slows you down, makes everything feel harder, and often stops you from even starting.

The good news? Play can help you overcome perfectionism by shifting your focus from achieving a perfect outcome to enjoying the process and learning from it.

What Makes Play So Powerful for Change?

When you approach behaviour change through the lens of play, it becomes an experiment to find what works for you.

There’s no such thing as perfection in play — only feedback, growth, and discovery.

Perfectionists often avoid starting unless the conditions are ideal. Play rewards trying, not getting it right.

Here’s a perfect example with exercise: Instead of “I have to work out for an hour,” try “I’ll put on my favourite song and dance around the kitchen.”

That counts. 

And it rewires your brain to associate movement with pleasure, not pressure.

Play vs Perfectionism

Play creates safety for the inner critic and taps into intrinsic motivation — the part of you that wants to move just because it feels good.

This bypasses the shame spiral of “shoulds” and empowers you to act from desire, not duty. It’s about consistently showing up, even when life is messy. 

Play makes that possible because it’s fun. 

If perfectionism says, “You’re not doing enough,”

👉 play says, “You’re already enough — let’s move because it feels good.”

If perfectionism creates pressure,

👉 play creates permission.

If perfectionism makes life a performance,

👉 play makes life an adventure.

Why “Good Enough” Is Better Than Perfect

So the next time you catch your perfectionist self hesitating, ask: “How can I make this more playful?”

That question alone can unlock your next move forward.

Play is an incredible opportunity to find joy in life… it’s free, and it’s essential for human potential. It’s a source of inspiration and motivation waiting to be tapped into.

Play on!

Your friend and coach,

Jan xo

P.S. Want to stop waiting for perfection? Start with play—here’s how:

1. Ready to energize your audience with a talk they’ll never forget? Book a call HERE, and let’s reignite the joy of play for your audience.
2. Join my next one-day retreat, May 9th, in Toronto for women 50+ who want to develop and align with a personal plan for their future health. Registration is open, but space is limited. Learn more HERE.
3. 📩 Apply for a 1:1 Coaching Spot Today. Let’s create a personalized, sustainable plan designed just for you. Click HERE to take the first step toward your transformation. Let’s play for life! 🚀