Stop Waiting for Perfect—Progress Will Change Your Life | Life Lesson Quotes — Lee Stewart | 107

This episode was an energizing reminder that wisdom really does live all around us—sometimes in the simplest of mantras. My guest, Lee Stewart, shared his guiding quote: “Go for progress, not perfection.” As an author and sustainability expert, Lee has spent over two decades helping companies and individuals move forward without getting stuck chasing some imaginary ideal. We dove into stories from boardrooms and everyday life, unpacking why waiting for perfection only leads to paralysis, and how real change comes from showing up, taking action, and learning by doing—even when it feels uncomfortable. Lee’s practical approach to sustainability and personal growth shows us that meaningful impact is found in consistent, small steps. If you’ve ever felt frozen by uncertainty or not “ready” to start, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace progress, take action on what you can control, and keep moving toward your own “North Star”—no matter how imperfectly you begin.

Connect With Lee Stewart
Website: https://www.esgstrategy.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leestewart/

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Chapters

00:00 The Power Of One Conversation
00:38 Introducing Lee Stewart
01:14 Lee’s Background And Work
01:36 Progress Over Perfection: The Quote
02:10 Making Progress Tangible
02:57 Practical Sustainability Examples
03:37 Perfection As A Delaying Tactic
04:17 Learning By Doing
05:06 Tracking Real Progress
06:25 Strategy Versus Planning
07:37 Navigating Change And Setbacks
08:21 Keeping Your “Why” In Focus
09:51 Embedding Progress In Daily Life
10:31 The Journey Of Writing A Book
11:08 Goals: What’s In Your Control?
12:09 Embracing Wisdom And Perspective
13:09 Defining Success Personally
16:54 Taking Action Leads To Clarity
18:33 Growth Through Discomfort
20:08 Fear As A Compass
21:07 The Power Of Perspective
23:25 Wrapping Up And Final Thoughts
23:38 Explaining Lee’s Book Simply
24:27 The Importance Of Storytelling
25:10 Where To Find Lee’s Work
26:13 Outro: Keep Growing