3 Permission Slips For Perfectionists
May 24, 2021When you’re building your business, it’s tempting to take on every project even if it doesn’t feel like a good fit. It’s easy to say “yes” to something when you’re afraid to say “no.” It’s safer to undercharge when you’re the one asking for money.
This is rooted in perfectionism. Many designers often seek validation from other people because they haven’t learned they can give it to themselves. This drains the beauty out of the art. And it drains the life out of you.
I want you to know how freeing it is to let go of all that.
When you stop looking to others to validate what you already know, you give yourself the 3 biggest permission slips any designer can ask for: Permission to say no, create balance in your life and business, and get paid.
1. You get permission to say no
Let me tell you a quick story about one of the first times I said “no” in business.
A local brick-and-mortar business with a big budget contacted me for a rush project on label designs. I went by the shop after I sent over my proposal to check it out and ended up chatting with the potential client. I left the shop nearly 2 hours later and… I wasn’t feeling it.
I let them know I wasn’t taking on the project. While their reaction was to shame and pressure me, I stood my ground and advocated for myself. And you should too.
Here’s my advice: When you meet with potential clients like this, don’t move forward with the project. Give yourself permission to turn it down.
The lack of trust in your skills and expertise will permeate throughout the process. But more than that, this client and I were clearly not aligned. By saying “no,” it gave me space, time, and energy to do other shit (and not have to deal with a client who didn’t understand the value I brought to the table).
And when you only work with clients who are a “hell yes,” you stay passionate. It’s a much better route for you than if you say “yes” to projects you’re only half-interested in. It’s powerful to say “no” because you get to find out what your “yes” is.
This is the first step to create boundaries for yourself, your work, and your life.
2. You get permission to create the balance you want
When you say “yes” to please other people, you say “no” to your passions, focus, priorities, family, goals, and yourself.
I talk about this as a guest on episode 3 of the Between The Miles Podcast. We get into my story about being laid off twice (more on that here) and while I felt rejected, I was free. And so damn happy.
That experience gave me a few months to figure myself out. I spent that time hanging outside, meeting up with friends, going for a swim, visiting state parks, watching TV, and I even adopted a second dog. That’s also when I started my business.
It took me being laid off to have permission to create the life I wanted. But you have the power right now.
Take time off, say “no” to a project, or schedule a vacation instead. Dream big and give yourself permission to create the work-life balance you want. Set boundaries to help you get there.
Don’t hold yourself back anymore. It’s safe to stay small, and badass to go big.
3. You get permission to get paid
So go big! Who’s telling you not to?
Society.
Trauma.
Yourself.
I get it. The starving artist stereotype runs deep, but here’s how I challenge it.
When I first started my business, I met up with a local design creative who happened to be a male. We each had similar skills and were less than a year into our business, so the conversation soon shifted toward money.
He told me he charged $75/hour and I couldn’t believe it.
I charged $50/hour. We had the same skills and experience. We’d been in business the same amount of time. I thought, “Why am I undercharging?”
Things shifted after this. I realized something important.
You’re allowed to make money. You’re allowed to talk about money and you’re allowed to enjoy spending it. Money doesn’t have to be a taboo subject.
You asking for money allows you to live how you want, to afford to feed your dogs, to go on vacation, buy that cute dress, pay your car payments, rent, mortgage, eat out when you want to treat yourself, and even serve your community.
That’s when it clicked.
It was me all along who had the power to give myself permission to charge more. I’m allowed to say “no” when it’s not a good fit and make money when it is a good fit. I’m allowed to run my business my way and live life on my own terms.
And you are too.
If you want a community of other badass business owners opening up about limiting beliefs, boundaries, and money, the Holy Fuck Pricing Facebook Group is the space for you.
If you’re looking for support as you build your badass design business and want a pricing coach (that’s me!) in your pocket for a month, book a call and fill out an application here so we can connect and see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Have questions? DM me on Instagram and I’m happy to answer them.
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