Edition No. 3 — Powerful Doesn’t Mean Perfect

Reclaiming confidence when you’re still figuring things out

Author

Zoe Alexandra
April 24, 2025

This week’s edition is a little reminder I wish someone had whispered to me years ago—
when I was waiting to feel ready enough… polished enough… perfect enough to step fully into the woman I knew I was meant to be.

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your next move or shrinking back because things aren’t “perfect” yet—this one's for you.

We’re talking about confidence. But not the loud, performative kind.
The quiet, anchored, real kind that comes from trusting yourself even when life feels messy or unclear.

Let’s talk about what it actually means to be powerful before you feel ready.

This Week in The Intentionaist

Thoughtful Finds

Editors Highlights

If you’ve been waiting to feel more confident before you make your next move—this is your reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to move forward.

The Life Design Jumpstart Guide is here to help you get clear, not flawless.
To help you reconnect with your vision, your values, and your voice—without overthinking every step.

It’s designed for the woman who’s ready to lead with self-trust, not pressure.
For the one who’s done performing and ready to get intentional.

✨ This isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting aligned.

Powerful Doesn’t Mean Perfect

We place a lot of pressure on “having it all together.”

We think confidence comes after we’ve solved everything—when our routines are locked in, the business is thriving, the path is crystal clear.

But that version of confidence? It’s a moving target.

And if you wait until everything is perfect to start showing up like a leader… you’ll be waiting forever.

What no one tells you is that confidence is usually built in motion—not at the finish line.

It’s built when you:

  • Say yes before you’ve mapped it all out

  • Speak clearly even when your voice shakes

  • Decide to trust yourself, especially when it would be easier to hide

Confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers.
It comes from being willing to move with what you do know—right now.

Perfection has never been the requirement.
Presence is.

And presence doesn’t mean being calm and graceful all the time.
It means being here—with your truth, your power, your messy middle—and choosing to lead anyway.

Because the truth is, most of the women you admire aren’t more qualified or put-together than you.
They’ve just decided to stop waiting for perfect conditions to give themselves permission.

You’re not underqualified.
You’re not too late.
And you don’t need to keep second-guessing yourself to be taken seriously.

You already have what it takes.
The only thing missing is the moment you decide to believe it.

This is your sign: start showing up like a woman who trusts herself.

Even if the next step feels big.
Even if it’s not all sorted out yet.
Even if the voice in your head still gets loud sometimes.

You don’t need to feel “ready.”
You just need to go.

Because confidence?
It comes after the decision—not before it.

Intentional Essentials

  1. I’m not always in the mood for a full face of makeup—but I still want to look alive, radiant, and a little glowy. On those in-between days (which, let’s be honest, are most days), I reach for the Saie Glowy Super Gel. It’s lightweight, dewy, and makes you look like you just got back from a facial, even if you barely slept. I use it alone or under tinted moisturizer and it instantly upgrades my mood and my skin.

  2. A sleek matching set always makes me feel more focused and put together—especially when I want to tap into that “I take care of me” energy. Lately, I’ve been living in the Alo Airlift Charger Bra and High-Waist Charger Legging. The fabric is smoothing, the fit is sculpting, and the confidence boost is real. Whether I’m doing a light workout, running errands, or working from home, this set makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even if I’m still figuring it out.

  3. Confidence sometimes starts with the smallest accessories—and for me, that’s a killer pair of sunglasses. I’ve been loving the Le Specs Air Heart frames. They’re bold but classic, a little oversized (which I love), and instantly add polish to any outfit. Whether I’m out for a walk or heading to a casual meeting, they pull everything together and give me that little main character energy.

  4. There’s skincare for your face… and then there’s skincare for everything else. The Nécessaire Body Serum has totally elevated my routine. It’s fragrance-free, super hydrating, and sinks in fast—no stickiness. I use it after a shower and my skin feels so soft and taken care of. It's a small ritual that helps me feel more grounded and confident in my body, every single day.

Something Extra

if you've been doubting, hesitating, or holding back while you “figure it all out”...
Let this be your permission to lead anyway.
To be visible before you're validated.
To act like the woman you're becoming now—not after the world claps for her.

You're not behind.
You're not broken.
You're just in the in-between.

And this in-between?
It’s where confidence is born.

xo,

Zoë Alexandra
Founder of Zoë Alexandra Life | The Intentionalist by Zoë Alexandra

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