Episode 32

Episode 33: Letting Go of Perfectionism: How Fear Holds You Back & What to Do About It

Perfectionism isn’t about high standards—it’s fear dressed in fancy clothes. In this episode of Paddle Forward, I get real about how perfectionism sneaks into motherhood, business, and even paddleboarding, keeping us stuck and afraid to take action. From the mom who won’t join a baby & me yoga class to the entrepreneur waiting for the "perfect" launch, we’ve all been there.

I’ll share my own journey as a recovering perfectionist, what I’ve learned from teaching women to paddle past their fears (literally!), and three powerful ways to break free from perfectionism and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to show up messy, imperfect, and beautifully YOU—this is it. Grab your paddle, your coffee, and let’s dive in.

Mentioned in this episode:
🌊 Fearless SUP Course – Overcome fear & find freedom on the water
🌊 [12-Day Baby & Me / Toddler & Me Yoga Challenge – Follow me on social @anacaniwalters for updates!
🌊 Thriving Moms Over 30 Facebook Group – A supportive space for moms
🌊 SUP Instructor Support Group – For those looking to turn their passion into a career

🎧 Listen now and tell me: What’s one thing you’re going to do imperfectly this week?

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About the Podcast

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Paddle Forward
Conquering Fear, Motherhood & Business with Ease | Overcome fear, find balance, and build a life you love.

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About your host

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Anacani Walters

Anacani Walters is a nurse-turned-entrepreneur, women’s wellness coach, yoga instructor, master SUP instructor, and military spouse who believes resilience isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about learning how to regulate, reset, and rise.

After 15+ years in surgical oncology and general surgery, battling her own health challenges, burnout, adrenal fatigue, PCOS, cervical cancer, depression, and rebuilding her life through yoga and paddleboarding, she discovered something powerful:

Fear isn’t weakness. It’s information.

Through Paddle Forward, Anacani blends science, nervous system education, ocean metaphors, mindset coaching, and lived experience to help women — and military families navigating transition — move through fear without burning out.

This podcast is for the woman becoming.
The mother in matrescence.
The entrepreneur rebuilding confidence.
The military spouse in transition.
The leader learning to trust herself again.

Here, we fall, float, and rise.