The Smart Twenties Podcast

I used to think I wasn’t perfect enough to be a perfectionist. And because I didn’t realise I was a perfectionist, I had no real way to start overcoming the procrastination, crippling self-doubt and overthinking that was keeping me and my business stuck.  Realising that I’m a perfectionist (and what that actually means) 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. How to get more help with releasing your Perfectionism Handbrake: Join Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) today - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Take The Perfectionism Quiz - samlaurabrown.com/quiz Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power

In this episode, I’m sharing a real coaching conversation from a Perfectionists Getting Shit Done coaching call. I’m teaching on what to do once you spot a Perfectionist Pattern and how to avoid the shame spiral that can come with having more awareness around your own patterns of self-sabotage. How to get more help with releasing your Perfectionism Handbrake: Join my coaching program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Take The Perfectionism Quiz - samlaurabrown.com/quiz Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Follow me on instagram: @perfectionismproject

This is an episode I’ve referenced countless times since it was first published. It shares such an important lesson for all entrepreneurs, especially those who have been getting in their own way, that I had to share it again. In this episode I’m helping you explore the areas in your business where you feel like you have your hands tied behind your back. These are the areas in your business where you have a deep desire to take action but aren’t letting yourself - either because of a past decision you made, a rule you unconsciously adopted or an expectation you’re placing on yourself.  Then I’m walking you through how to untie your hands from behind your back, update your decisions and let yourself freely create. How to get more help with your perfectionism: Take The Perfectionism Quiz - samlaurabrown.com/quiz Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlau

In last week’s episode, I talked about when following through with the plans we’ve made with ourselves can be an act of self-care - particularly when you have anything going on in your life that’s making operating at your normal capacity a challenge. Today’s episode continues that conversation and I talk about when you determine that productivity is *not* an act of self-care and how you can create a sense of completeness even when everything isn’t done. Tune in to hear what that can look like for you. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how you can feel like you can switch off from work (whether that’s the end of a workday or right before a longer break) - even when the plans you had set for yourself weren’t complete. You’ll learn about developing the ability to say when enough is enough - and how to make that decision in an empowering way.   How to get more help with your perfectionism: Take The Perfectionism Quiz - samlaurabrown.com/quiz Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com

When is it an act of self-care for me to be productive and when is it an act of self-care instead to change my plans and take clean rest? Especially if you’re not operating at your normal capacity. Tune in to hear about the questions that help me figure out whether to follow my plans or not, a trick I use to get myself to do the work I had planned and the highest act of self-care you can do for yourself in a similar situation. If you have health issues, family commitments or anything else going on in your life that’s making operating at your normal capacity a challenge, this episode is for you. How to get more help with your perfectionism: Take The Perfectionism Quiz - samlaurabrown.com/quiz Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Follow me on instagram: @perfectionismproject  

Tune in to learn the difference between selling from a place of self-doubt and selling from a place of self-trust and why this is such an important shift for perfectionist entrepreneurs to make. If you’ve been having a hard time making sales even though you’re posting pretty consistently, you’ve had happy customers and you’re working really hard on your business - this episode is for you. I also talk about why perfectionists feel so much resistance around getting paid well to do work that is easy or enjoyable for them, why money mindset work is essential if you want to make more sales and what perfectionists need to take into account when improving their money mindset. Limited spots available: Secure a private 1:1 coaching spot with me before my prices increase. Get the details and apply today at samlaurabrown.com/coaching. What To Do Next Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Sign up for daily

In this episode, I’m sharing 12 thoughts that helped me create content in a really easy, enjoyable, sustainable way that has proven to be really effective for my perfectionist brain. I wanted to record this in response to a PGSDer who posted about starting a podcast inside my group coaching program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). These thoughts will help you create content simply and easily, and they can also be applied to other areas of your business to empower you to show up fully. Because yes, there might be some technical things that you need to set up when it comes to content creation. But trusting yourself – or what we call self-trust – is the most important ingredient so your perfectionist brain can create high-quality content easily. I’ve made over $2 million in my business, most of which has come from this podcast, and the times I’ve made the most money and the most impact with people have been when I’m in a high level of self-trust. Tune in and find out why this is the case for perfecti

In this best of the podcast episode I’m taking you behind the scenes of what a content creation day looks like for me.  First I share an update from my drive into the office, chatting through what I have planned in terms of content creation and how I’m thinking about approaching it so I can get it done without overthinking. And in my update from the drive home, I reveal something unexpected that happened when I started working and the practical things I did to get even more done than I’d originally planned. I hope this episode inspires you to have a productive day of creating content, like it did for me! And if you’re ready to learn how to create consistent content without perfectionism getting in the way, be sure to join us inside Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. Enrollment now open: Join Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to learn how to create consistent content without burning out. Doors are now officially open until 11:59pm EDT on Friday, 25 July. To sign up today and get instant access to ever

Most perfectionists struggle to create content consistently. They’re scared of what people will think, that they’ll say the wrong thing, that no one will like their posts, that their friends will laugh at them, that it’ll be a waste of effort, the list goes on! In this best of the podcast episode, I’m sharing 10 tips I’ve learned over my years as a content creator that have helped me get out of my own way, show up consistently as who I truly am and change the lives of thousands of people in the process. Enrollment now open: Join Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to learn how to create consistent content without burning out. Doors are now officially open until 11:59pm EDT on Friday, 25 July. To sign up today and get instant access to everything inside, visit samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

In Part 5 of this 5-Part Consistent Content Series, I’m talking about the importance of giving yourself a 3 month period to navigate the content learning curve without pressure. I’m introducing the Creative Cocoon - a new part of my popular program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done that helps you create consistent content while developing your voice and identity. You’ll hear how it works, why it matters and what to expect when you join. This episode will bring together everything that I’ve been sharing throughout the Consistent Content Series so you understand what’s required to put it all into practice in your own business.  Enrollment now open: Join Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to do this work with structure, support and a like-minded community. Doors are now officially open until 11:59pm EDT on Friday, 25 July. To sign up today and get instant access to everything inside, visit samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

In Part 4 of this 5-Part Consistent Content Series, we’re talking about Power Publishing - the secret to consistently getting your content out into the world. If you’re great at creating content but get stuck when it’s time to hit publish, this episode will help you understand why that’s happening and how to move past it. You’ll learn what Power Publishing is, how to create a system that supports consistent visibility and why perfectionists need structure and simplicity to follow through. I also share how I’ve used Power Publishing to grow my podcast to over 500 episodes and send a daily email for four years straight. Hint: It wasn’t through willpower or working long hours but by making publishing safe and sustainable. The Consistent Content Series will teach you how to create consistent content without burning out. Then join us inside Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to do this work with structure, support and a like-minded community. Doors open on 18 July for one week only. To find out more about

In Part 3 of this 5-Part Consistent Content Series, we’re talking about the overthinking loop that perfectionist entrepreneurs get stuck in with content - and how to finally break free from it using Creative Overflow. If you’re constantly thinking about content but still struggling to show up consistently, this episode will help you see why that’s happening and what to do instead.  You’ll learn what Creative Overflow is, how it builds consistency without pressure and the mindset shift that helped me stop ghosting my followers and start showing up regularly in a way that felt like me. If you’ve been spinning your wheels - this is the episode to listen to. The Consistent Content Series will teach you how to create consistent content without burning out. Then join us inside Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to do this work with structure, support and a like-minded community. Doors open on 18 July for one week only. To find out more about the program and sign up for the waitlist, visit samlaurabrown.com

In Part 2 of this 5-Part Consistent Content Series, I’m sharing what Spark Content is and why it’s what you need to be creating if you want to easily create consistent content that’s valuable. If you find content creation exhausting instead of energising, let me show you an easier way to do it. It’s all in this episode so hit play and get ready to hear the easiest - and most effective - content strategy you’ve ever been taught.  The Consistent Content Series will teach you how to create consistent content without burning out. Then join us inside Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) to do this work with structure, support and a like-minded community. Doors open on 18 July for one week only. To find out more about the program and sign up for the waitlist, visit samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

In Part 1 of this 5-Part Consistent Content Series, I’m sharing my personal story with content creation - including all the ups and downs. I talk about what it was like to deeply want to show up online but feel completely paralysed by my fear of putting myself out there. And how I overcame the perfectionism that was making me hide, procrastinate and endlessly polish my content. This episode also introduces the idea of Safe Visibility. Because your problem isn’t lack of motivation or willpower or not having the right content calendar or the right niche. The problem is that you haven’t learned how to feel safe being visible as the truest version of you - so that’s what I’m here to teach. If you’ve ever told yourself “I know what to do when it comes to content creation but I’m just not doing it” then this episode is for you. In this episode, I share: The invisible pressure perfectionists feel when creating content Why traditional marketing advice made things harder, not easier How I finally started creatin

Are you constantly second-guessing yourself to avoid making mistakes? This is a common habit for perfectionist entrepreneurs - and while it can feel productive, it’s actually one of the biggest things holding your business back. In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot when you’re self-policing, why shifting into Self-Trust Mode matters and the practical steps to help you build momentum from a place of trust instead of fear.  If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my program called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). To find out more about the program and join the waitlist today visit samlaurabrown.com/pgsd. Our next opening begins on 18 July 2025 for one week only.

Do you struggle with procrastination, fear of judgement, intense self-doubt or imposter syndrome when it comes to your business? Do you ever wonder why you get in your own way even though you have so much potential? If so, this episode is for you. I’m diving into the perfectionist mindset and talking about where it comes from, how to tell if you’ve got it and how to move out of it. If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my program called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). To find out more about the program and join the waitlist today visit samlaurabrown.com/pgsd. Our next opening begins on 18 July 2025 for one week only.

Are you frustrated that your business isn’t growing as quickly as it should be? Are you working hard yet feeling behind? Do you ever get annoyed that you aren’t getting the customers or social media followers that you deserve? If so, today’s episode is for you.  I’m sharing what hidden Perfectionist Entitlement is, why it’s not necessarily a ‘bad’ thing, the ways it’s shown up for me and my clients and the practical steps to get into a more empowering and resilient mindset. If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my program for perfectionists who are building businesses. It’s called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). Click here to find out more about the program and join the waitlist today: samlaurabrown.com/pgsd. Our next opening begins on 18 July 2025 for one week only.

In this episode, I’m debriefing the April 2025 PGSD launch  and walking you through exactly how I processed a disappointing result without making it mean something about me, the program or my ability to sell. This isn’t a “what went wrong” breakdown from a place of blame. It’s a real-time look at how I led myself through a launch that didn’t hit its goals without spiralling into shame, burning everything down or losing momentum. In the episode I’m sharing: What emotional regulation actually looks like when the numbers don’t meet your expectations How to tell the difference between what needs tweaking vs what’s already working Why success doesn’t require perfect results every time (and how I’ve learned to trust that) The thought processes that kept me grounded so I could take clear, calm next steps Whether you’re still working on showing up consistently or you’re refining your sales process, this episode will help you stay out of the shame spiral and keep building your business in a way that’s sustai

In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset shifts I made to sell out my 1:1 coaching services – including the thoughts that were keeping me stuck and how I coached myself through them. I talk about the evolution of the offer, what changed once I shifted into self-trust and why selling from sufficiency made all the difference.  This episode is for you if you’ve been holding back from selling because you’re worried you won’t make sales or feel like you need everything perfectly figured out first. The Perfectionism Quiz: Want an easy way to find out if perfectionism is stopping your business from growing? Take The Perfectionism Quiz today - it’s free, takes less than 3 minutes and gives you a personalised report that lays out the simple steps you can take to get out of your own way. Take the quiz now at samlaurabrown.com/quiz. Work with me privately: If you're interested in working with me privately then I invite you to sign up for the waitlist for my 1:1 coaching services. Go

In this episode, I share a powerful realisation I recently had about the difference between being accomplished and FEELING successful. I also share what’s helped me reconnect with the feeling of success - even when the numbers aren’t where I want them to be yet. This episode is for you if you’re working hard and making progress but still feel behind.  To dive deeper: Want an easy way to find out if perfectionism is stopping your business from growing? Take The Perfectionism Quiz today - it’s free, takes less than 3 minutes and gives you a personalised report that lays out the simple steps you can take to get out of your own way. Take the quiz now at samlaurabrown.com/quiz. For more advice: Follow me on Instagram - I’m @perfectionismproject - for more behind-the-scenes insights and support with getting out of your own way in your business. For full support: Ready to get out of your own way in your business? Join the waitlist for my productivity program - Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - a