Are you exhausted from constantly striving, pushing, and trying to be perfect? In this vulnerable and intimate episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers & Perfectionists, I’m sharing the truth about my complicated relationship with my inner perfectionist—who I lovingly call Perfectionistic Paula.

For decades, Paula ran the show. She kept me hustling, grinding, striving, and pushing past my limits… all in the name of safety, approval, and control. But as I’ve moved deeper into my own healing, something surprising happened: I no longer wanted to push. I no longer felt that constant drive. I didn’t even recognize myself without her.

This episode is an honest look at what happens after you put the sword down, slow down, and start reclaiming the parts of you that perfectionism silenced. I talk about:

✨ How perfectionism shows up as a survival strategy ✨ The emotional and physical costs of letting Paula run the show ✨ My struggles with chronic health symptoms and deep exhaustion ✨ The strange “void” that comes when you finally stop striving ✨ How to find the middle ground between burnout and balance ✨ Why your 20s can feel so overwhelming and confusing — and how perfectionism makes it worse ✨ How to soften, surrender, and listen to your inner wisdom instead of the pressure to "figure it all out"

If you’re a young woman in your twenties navigating identity, burnout, pressure, or perfectionism — this episode will speak directly to your soul.

🌱 You are not meant to hustle your way to worthiness. 🌱 You’re allowed to rest. 🌱 You’re allowed to be imperfect. 🌱 You’re allowed to find YOUR path, at YOUR pace.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview 01:27 – Meet Perfectionistic Paula 04:05 – The Cost of Perfectionism 09:33 – A Personal Breakthrough 14:41 – Navigating the Transition 19:35 – Embracing a New Ambition 22:34 – Lessons from the Valley 27:48 – Invitation to Connect and Support 31:15 – Conclusion and Call to Action

💬 Connect With MeJoin the Real & Unfiltered Community for Young Women (20s) — a space to feel seen, supported, and free to be your true self. Follow me on Instagram: @kimgrosscoaching