085: The Myth of Completion
Perfectionism in an ever-expanding universe
It's fascinating how perfectionism manifests in our lives, often in ways we don't immediately recognize.
In a recent discussion during our embodiment class, I was amazed by the various relationships people have with this concept.
Some described a journey from rigid perfectionism to a more balanced approach, carrying the mantra "done is better than perfect" as a release valve for the pressure they'd put on themselves.
Others shared how perfectionism appeared contextually in their lives—showing up intensely in professional settings while remaining absent in their personal affairs.
And interestingly, some revealed an almost allergic reaction to perfectionism, finding themselves not being able to give much attention to detail.
What became clear through our conversation is that perfectionism isn't merely a personality trait but a relationship we develop with our creativity, our work, and ultimately, ourselves.
There's a profound paradox at the heart of perfectionism.
The very word "perfect" implies completion, a final state. Yet we exist in a universe that is in constant expansion and evolution.
Nothing is ever truly finished—not us, not our work, not the cosmos itself.
When we understand this, we can see how the pursuit of perfection as an endpoint is fundamentally misaligned with the nature of existence.
Another perspective worth considering: those who identify as perfectionists are rarely obsessed with the perfection of life as it is.
True perfection would embrace the messy, the evolving, the unfinished nature of everything. Instead, what many call perfectionism is actually a rejection of the present moment, a belief that things should be different than they are.
This disconnection from what is—this resistance to the flow of life—becomes the real source of our suffering.
As we grow and evolve, there will always be something we could add, something we might improve.
The book you wrote last year, the newsletter you created last week—revisit them today and naturally, you'll see opportunities for enhancement.
This is not evidence of past failure but of present growth.
Yet if we allow this awareness to prevent us from sharing our creations, we become collectors of potential rather than creators of value.
The question becomes: are we blocking our flow, or are we allowing it?
Are we giving our best with what we know and have in this moment, or are we hiding behind endless refinements and revisions?
Often, perfectionism is simply self-doubt wearing sophisticated clothing.
It's the voice that whispers "not enough" when everything in nature confirms we are always in process, always becoming.
Perfectionism can also serve as a form of protection—a way to shield ourselves from the vulnerability of being seen, of putting our work into the world.
It's sometimes easier to perpetually polish than to declare something complete and face potential criticism or rejection. Yet this protective mechanism ultimately prevents us from experiencing the growth, connection, and fulfillment that come from sharing our gifts.
I invite you to look for where you feel you are already whole and complete in this moment. From that space of inherent wholeness, what do you wish to express? What do you wish to create? What do you wish to share? Trust that you can give your best with what you know now, with the time you have available, with the skills you've developed thus far.
Remember that the creative impulse flows through you most freely when you aren't constricting it with judgments about how it should manifest. Your vision, emerging from that invisible part of you that connects to something larger, is trying to take shape in the world.
Allow it to do so, imperfect and unfinished as it may be.
Evolution occurs through action, not through waiting until conditions are perfect. Life itself is a continuous unfoldment, not a state to be achieved.
When we align with this truth, we discover that our creative power lies not in perfection but in presence—in showing up fully for the unfolding process of creation.
So today, I encourage you to release the grip of perfectionism and instead embrace your role as a creator in an ever-expanding universe. Share your work, launch your vision, express your truth—not because it's perfect, but because it's yours to give.
The world doesn't need your perfection; it needs your presence, your gifts, your willingness to be part of the great unfolding.
And in that willingness, you may discover that what you've been seeking through perfectionism—worthiness, acceptance, impact—was available to you all along in the simple act of showing up and allowing your unique expression to flow into the world.
With Love,
Carolina
P.S. You can read all previous editions of the newsletter here, and you can upgrade your subscription here.
Happenings
Sacred Business Network: Vitality Workshop with Brian Pruett
We're excited to announce our May 15th workshop with Brian Pruett, exclusively for Sacred Business Network members!
Vitality stands as one of the fundamental frequencies of Sacred Business. When you feel truly alive in your body, your capacity to take meaningful action expands dramatically.
I've experienced this transformation firsthand. Just three years ago, I couldn't do a single push-up without triggering an anxiety attack. My health had deteriorated to the point where basic physical activities felt overwhelming. But through consistent practice—starting with Carolina's yoga guidance and eventually working with Brian through the Ladder app—I've completely transformed my relationship with my body.
Recently, I attended Brian's men's fitness retreat where I found myself among former Special Forces operators and professional bodyguards (including Jennifer Lawrence's bodyguard of 13 years)—something I never would have imagined possible before. What struck me most was Brian's unique approach integrating mindset, faith, and physical training into a complete system for personal transformation.
With nearly 800,000 Instagram followers and a coaching role on Ladder (which recently secured $100 million in funding as one of the fastest-growing fitness platforms), Brian brings both expertise and authenticity to his teaching.
Join us Thursday, May 15th at noon Eastern to discover how embodying vitality can transform both your business and your life. This workshop will help you create the energetic container needed for your creative force to flourish.
Join the Sacred Business Network and receive your invitation to join this live workshop
Here is what I want to share this week …
Fueling Your Energy: 3 Tools I Use for More Vitality
Vitality is our theme this month - that essential energy that powers everything we do, from our most creative business moments to our personal connections.
When your energy is high, everything flows. Your decisions come easier, your creativity expands, and your ability to show up for both your business and loved ones multiplies. But when energy is low, even simple tasks feel heavy.
Over the years, I've found that my most successful business periods directly connect to times when I'm taking care of my physical wellbeing. It's not a coincidence - it's because everything is connected.
Here are three tools I use regularly to maintain and boost my vitality:
1. Whoop (link)
This wearable has transformed how I understand my body's signals. Unlike other fitness trackers that just count steps, Whoop focuses on recovery, strain, and sleep quality.
I love seeing the direct connection between my sleep, habits and my next-day performance.
I’ve never been much of a napper, but I’ve been allowing myself to follow some of the guidance that I’m receiving to lean into napping as a means of recovery and I must say I’m starting to enjoy it!
Now I can clearly see when I need more rest versus when my body is ready for a challenge - which translates directly to better energy management in my business.
It’s also giving me the confidence to lean in more fully to a hard workout, when I’m able to see that my body is responding favorably to the stimulus.
Get a free Whoop and 30-days for free when you join through my link
2. Ladder Fitness (link)
Finding workouts that fit into a busy entrepreneurial schedule can be tough. Ladder solves this with personalized training programs that adapt to your available time and equipment.
What's been game-changing for me is the accountability aspect. I work with Brian Pruett and his Team Vitality through the app, receiving coaching that keeps me consistent even during hectic periods.
I've noticed that on days I complete my Ladder workout (even a short one), my mind is sharper and I bring more presence to client calls and creative work.
My experience with Brian's coaching on Ladder was so transformative that when I learned about his men's fitness retreat, I jumped at the opportunity to join. This retreat ended up being a profound experience that connected physical training with deeper personal growth—something I wouldn't have discovered without first connecting through Ladder.
The app's structure provides the perfect balance of guidance and flexibility, making it possible to maintain fitness momentum regardless of travel schedule or time constraints. This consistency in physical practice directly strengthens my capacity for consistent performance.
Access a free 30-day trial and work out with me on Team Vitality here.
3. Endel (link)
This sound technology app creates personalized soundscapes that help your brain focus, relax, or prepare for sleep.
I use Endel almost daily - during deep work sessions when I need to block distractions, during afternoon slumps when I need an energy boost, and as part of my wind-down routine for sleep.
The science behind it is fascinating - it uses principles from sound therapy to align with your circadian rhythm and boost productivity. I've found it especially helpful during writing sessions when I need sustained focus.
Your physical vitality directly impacts your business vitality. When we nurture our bodies, our work naturally improves - another example of how everything truly is connected.
Try Endel for Free for 14 Days Here
With appreciation,
Phil
Who We Are Celebrating
This past week, we were honored to be joined by Elena Brower for our Sacred Business Stories conversation. What emerged was a powerful exploration of sustainable business practices.
Elena shared profound wisdom about receiving money for your true value - illustrating how this exchange has enabled her to support causes and people worldwide through her volunteer work and charitable giving. Her perspective beautifully reframes the relationship between spiritual work and financial compensation.
"To sell a product that you actually use, from which you derive benefit, is not something to be ashamed about," Elena emphasized.
"Why should I not earn money enough so that I can go out and volunteer and give my time?"
This powerful question invites us to consider how charging our worth actually expands our capacity to serve.
We were particularly inspired by her approach to balancing premium pricing with accessibility. Through her Substack, Elena offers both free content and an innovative policy where anyone who cannot afford her paid subscription can simply message her for complimentary access. The paid subscriptions, meanwhile, fund multiple charitable initiatives she passionately supports.
This conversation came at perfect timing as we prepare to launch our Premium Value Creation Challenge later this month. Elena's insights perfectly capture what we hope to convey: that creating sustainable value exchanges isn't just about business growth—it's about expanding your capacity to serve in alignment with your deepest values.
In fact, we were so moved by Elena's approach that we've adopted a similar practice for our Sacred Business Network. If you're interested in joining but finances are a barrier, please reach out directly—we'll gladly gift you a membership, no questions asked. Those who can afford to pay help make this accessibility possible, creating a true ecosystem of support.
If you haven't watched this conversation yet, I encourage you to experience it here. For anyone building a sacred business, Elena's wisdom on charging your worth while creating meaningful access is truly transformative.
Memorable Quote
What’s next?
Phil and I are ready to support you in creating a business that aligns with your heart's calling. Here's how we can help:
Discover Your Sacred Business Alignment (Free): Take the Harmony Map Assessment and read our Sacred Business Manifesto to understand where you are on your path and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to understand how everything in their business connects.
Read the Sacred Business Manifesto (Free): Learn the core principles of building a Sacred Business through our founding story and framework. See how we transformed our approach to business by understanding that everything is connected.
Sacred Business Network: Connect with heart-centered entrepreneurs who understand that success comes from alignment. Monthly connection circles, community workshops, and ongoing support through our private community space. Get the encouragement and collaboration you need to grow.
Join Our Next Implementation Challenges: Action-focused programs like the Sacred Business Planning Rituals Challenge and Substack Growth Challenge help you create real momentum in specific areas of your business. Free for Club members, discounted for Network members. Be sure you are subscribed to be notified when the next one is offered live.
Sacred Growth Club: A complete support system with weekly embodiment classes, live coaching calls, writing circles, and expert workshops. Designed for entrepreneurs ready to build sustainable success through proven practices while staying connected to their purpose. Includes full access to the Network and all challenges.
Be The Flow Coaching (1:1): Personal guidance combining strategic business planning with energy alignment work. Weekly coaching sessions plus full access to Sacred Growth Club benefits. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking deep transformation and sustainable growth in their business.
