Michelle Cameron Coulter, an Olympic synchronized swimmer, shares her journey from a childhood fear of water to achieving Olympic gold. She reveals how perfectionism, though driving her success, became a destructive force in her life, leading to self-doubt and an eating disorder. With 80% of high achievers—especially women—experiencing impostor syndrome and 91% of women and girls struggling with body image, Michelle’s story resonates deeply. She understands how perfectionism can drain the joy, potential, and mental wellness out of life. Through lessons from her children, including a science experiment on the power of positive energy, she discovered the key to unlocking joy and potential: letting go of perfection. Michelle is an Olympic Gold Medalist, inspirational leader, speaker, and advocate for reaching our full potential in a healthy and sustainable way. After years of chasing perfection in synchronized swimming, she discovered that true fulfillment doesn’t come from being flawless but from embracing the messy, joyful growth process. Her most potent lessons came from her athletic career and being a mother of four. Learning from her children the importance of positive energy, self-compassion, and embracing imperfections, Michelle was determined to be a role model—not just for them but for the many women she saw frozen by the same pressures of perfectionism.With 80% of women leaders feeling they’re not enough and 91% of women and girlsShan struggling with body image, Michelle understands how perfectionism can drain the joy, potential, and mental wellness out of life. She shares a simple yet profound formula for success she believes will empower others to create inspired action and momentum and unlock their gold-medal potential with more joy, freedom, and FU...N. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx