Why You Can't 'Get It Right' (And Why That's Actually Good News)

If you're waiting to feel confident, certain, and perfectly prepared before you engage with decolonial practice...

You'll be waiting forever.

Deconstructing the Myth of “Getting It Right”

The idea that there is a “right” way to show up in anti-oppressive or decolonial practice is a myth that often traps us in paralysis. This myth can stop people from acting out of fear that they might say or do the wrong thing. It feeds the illusion that learning and growth happen in neat, linear stages where mastery precedes action, rather than understanding that this work is ongoing and iterative. Fun, sassy fact: chances are you are going to have to go backwards (at least a little bit) to unlearn some things before you are going to be able to move forward with new learnings. 

How Perfectionism Serves White Supremacy Culture

Perfectionism is a hallmark of white supremacy culture. It demands a flawless performance according to standards that were not created by us, setting an impossible bar that keeps many silenced and stagnant. This perfectionism functions like respectability politics, encouraging people to hide parts of themselves and conform to dominant norms in order to gain approval and avoid critique.​ If you feel exhausted by that, it makes perfect sense! 

When perfectionism creeps into social justice or decolonial work, it stifles creativity, erodes resilience, and prevents bold, necessary actions. It keeps us locked in fear of mistakes instead of embracing imperfection as part of the human and collective struggle.

Practice vs. Mastery

Instead of mastery, this work calls for practice—a commitment to showing up repeatedly, learning from missteps, and growing alongside others. Practice allows us to build humility, curiosity, and accountability. It means giving ourselves permission to be imperfect while still being dedicated to the process. It recognizes that we are going to make mistakes and allowing for that process to happen, instead of assuming that we are not going to make mistakes and shutting down because we did. Recognizing that “getting it right” is not the goal frees us to engage deeply without the pressure to perform or be perfect. It opens space for authentic connection, learning, and transformation.

Permission to Be Imperfect With Accountability

Imperfection in social justice and decolonial work does not mean acting carelessly or ignoring harm. Instead, it acknowledges that working against entrenched systems of oppression is inherently complex and non-linear. Mistakes and missteps are inevitable as we navigate new understandings, relationships, and power dynamics. 

What matters most is how we respond to those mistakes—accountability means fully owning the impact of our actions, listening deeply to those harmed, making meaningful efforts to repair, and recommitting ourselves to justice and transformation. This approach emphasizes humility and ongoing growth rather than perfection. When we give ourselves permission to be imperfect but accountable, we cultivate the courage to take risks, innovate, and engage deeply, instead of becoming immobilized by fear of failure or avoidance. It’s in the messy, uncertain work of showing up vulnerably and taking responsibility that real learning and systemic change become possible.

This work isn't about getting it right. 

It's about staying in it.

 — With humility.

With care.

With commitment.