The Secret Killer of Artistic Creativity

  

 

Salvador Dalí once said, "Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it."

Basically, he was saying that trying to be perfect is pointless because it's impossible. Instead of worrying about being perfect, he thought it was better to just start creating and enjoy the process.

 

Today, I want to speak about something that affects many of us more than we realize -  PERFECTIONISM. 

It's a topic that doesn't get enough attention but can have a huge impact on your creative life and overall well-being.

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS PERFECTIONISM?

  

Perfectionism is the need to be perfect or to appear perfect.

It's when you set extremely high standards for yourself and feel like anything less than perfect is a failure. This can apply to anything you do, from your work projects to your hobbies.

For example, if you're writing a blog post and you can't stop tweaking every little detail because it doesn't feel "just right," that's perfectionism at play. It's important to understand that wanting to do your best is great, but perfectionism takes it to an unhealthy level.

 

 

 

 

HOW DOES PERFECTIONISM AFFECT CREATIVITY?

 

Now, let’s connect perfectionism to creativity.

When you’re a perfectionist, you’re constantly worrying about making mistakes. This fear can seriously stifle your creative process.

 

Ever found yourself spending hours mixing the perfect shade of color? You mix and remix, trying to get it exactly right, and by the time you’re somewhat satisfied, you’re too tired to actually paint. Or maybe you’re working on a piece, but you keep repainting sections because they don’t look perfect to you. You get stuck in this loop and never move forward.

 

Think about the time you wanted to add a new technique to your work, like using a palette knife instead of brushes. But the fear of ruining your painting held you back, so you stuck to what you knew and never experimented. Your work started feeling repetitive and lacked the growth that comes from trying new things.

 

How about when you finally complete a piece but keep it hidden because you think it's not good enough to show anyone? You end up with a closet full of finished paintings that never see the light of day because you're worried about judgment.

 

The need to be perfect can also stop you from attending workshops or classes. You might think, "I need to be better before I can learn from others," when in reality, those experiences could help you grow and break free from your perfectionist tendencies.

 

Perfectionism makes you second-guess every creative decision, which can lead to creative block. Instead of letting your ideas flow freely, you’re stuck in a loop of self-doubt and hesitation.

 

This obsession with perfection can turn a joyful activity into a stressful one. You spend so much time trying to make everything perfect that you forget to enjoy the process. Take writing, for example. You might keep rewriting the same paragraph over and over, never satisfied with your work. This can make you feel frustrated and exhausted.

 

 

 

Famous creatives have also struggled with perfectionism

 

Leonardo da Vinci, the genius behind the Mona Lisa, is said to have taken years to complete his works because he was never satisfied. He constantly tweaked and adjusted his paintings, striving for an unreachable perfection.

While his work is admired today, his perfectionism often slowed him down and caused him a lot of stress.

 

 

 

"Leonardo’s perfectionism was legendary. He would often leave paintings unfinished because he could not reach the level of perfection he envisioned."  -  Giorgio Vasari, Renaissance Art Historian

 

"Da Vinci’s pursuit of perfection was both a gift and a curse. It led to some of the most detailed and innovative art in history, but also to countless unfinished projects."  -  Isaac Asimov, Science Fiction Writer and Biographer

 

Another example is Michelangelo, the famous sculptor and painter of the Sistine Chapel. He was known for being incredibly hard on himself, constantly pushing for perfection. This intense self-criticism sometimes made it difficult for him to finish his projects.

 

"Michelangelo was never a happy man. His perfectionism and inability to compromise in matters big or small left him with few friends. He had a quick temper to go with his brilliant but unforgiving mind. He fought with his superiors in the Church in a manner which could have meant exile or execution for lesser artists. He was forgiven all his personality faults because of the genuine love even his enemies and rivals felt for his art." 

( Michelangelo: Tortured Perfectionist, mars 7, 2015. https://www.deviantart.com/ )

 

 

Even in modern times, perfectionism can be seen in the music industry.

Adele, the award-winning singer, has openly talked about her perfectionist tendencies.

"I have always put a massive pressure on myself that everything has to be perfect, perfect." - Adele.

She’s known to scrap entire albums because she felt they weren’t perfect enough. This kind of pressure can be overwhelming and can delay creative output.

 

The key takeaway here is that while striving for high standards can push us to create great work, perfectionism can trap us in an endless cycle of self-criticism and doubt. Instead of aiming for perfection, it’s often better to aim for progress.

 

 

 

 

 

HOW DOES PERFECTIONISM AFFECT PERSONALITY?

 

Perfectionism can also shape your personality in ways you might not realize. It can make you more critical, not just of yourself but of others too.

You might find it hard to accept help or delegate tasks because you believe no one else can do things as well as you can. This can lead to stress and burnout.

On the flip side, perfectionists can also be very driven and detail-oriented, which can be positive traits if balanced properly. However, when perfectionism dominates your personality, it can make you feel constantly anxious and never satisfied with your achievements.

 

Perfectionism can also make you a bit of a control freak.

You want everything done your way, and that can make you difficult to work with. People might see you as demanding or inflexible. Research shows that perfectionism is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression (Smith et al., 2020). It's like having a little critic in your head that never shuts up.

 

 

 

 

 

Interestingly, trying to be perfect can affect your relationships too.

When you're always aiming for everything to be just right, you might set unrealistically high standards for your friends and family. This can strain relationships and make you seem unapproachable. Nobody likes feeling like they can never measure up.

 

In a work setting, a desire for excellence might make you a top performer, but it can also make you hesitant to take risks. You might avoid new projects or ideas because you're afraid of not doing them perfectly. This fear of failure can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Plus, constantly seeking perfection can be exhausting. You might find yourself staying late at work, redoing tasks that were already good enough.

 

Studies have shown that perfectionists often suffer from "Impostor Syndrome, where they feel like they’re not as competent as others think they are (Jones & Palmer, 2017). This can make you feel like you're constantly on the verge of being "found out" as a fraud, which adds to your stress and anxiety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW DOES PERFECTIONISM CAUSE CREATIVE BLOCKS?

 

Creative blocks are common among perfectionists. When you’re obsessed with perfection, starting a new project can feel overwhelming.

 

You might think, “What if it’s not good enough?” This fear can prevent you from even beginning. If you do start, you may spend so much time trying to perfect each part that you never actually finish. This can be incredibly frustrating and can kill your motivation over time. Striving for perfection turns creativity, which should be enjoyable, into a stressful experience.

 

Obsession with perfection can also make you overly critical of your own work. You might find yourself constantly second-guessing your choices and reworking pieces to the point of exhaustion. This self-doubt can sap the joy out of creating and make the process feel more like a chore than a passion.

 

Research by Flett and Hewitt (2002) shows that perfectionists often experience higher levels of stress and lower levels of life satisfaction because of these unrealistic standards.

 

Also, perfectionism can lead to procrastination.

The fear of not meeting your own high standards can cause you to put off starting projects. You might tell yourself you’ll begin when you’re "ready" or when "everything is perfect," but that time never comes.

This procrastination can create a cycle of guilt and anxiety, making it even harder to start in the future.

 

Another interesting fact is that perfectionism can hinder collaboration.

When you’re a perfectionist, you might find it hard to trust others to contribute to a project. This can lead to isolation and missing out on valuable feedback and new ideas from others. Collaboration often sparks creativity, and by isolating yourself, you might be missing out on that spark.

 

To overcome  creative blocks caused by perfectionism, try setting realistic goals and deadlines.

Allow yourself to make mistakes and view them as learning opportunities rather than failures. You know, sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected errors. Give yourself permission to create imperfectly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE PERFECTIONISM? 

 

Recognizing perfectionism is the first step to managing it. Here are some signs to look out for:

 

 

 

PROCRASTINATION

 

You delay starting tasks because you’re afraid they won’t be perfect. This can lead to missed deadlines and a lot of unnecessary stress.

According to a study by Steel (2007), procrastination is often linked to perfectionism because individuals fear that their work won’t meet high standards. You might find yourself constantly saying, "I’ll start tomorrow" or "I need more time to make it perfect," but that day never comes. Over time, this habit can erode your productivity and increase anxiety.

 

 Procrastination can create a vicious cycle. The more you delay, the more stressed you become, which makes it even harder to begin. You might start to doubt your abilities, thinking, "If I can’t even start, how can I finish?" This negative self-talk can further fuel your procrastination.

 

It’s not just about missing deadlines, though. Procrastination can make you miss out on opportunities. Whether it’s a job application, a creative project, or even personal goals, waiting for the perfect moment can mean missing the boat entirely.

 

One way to break this cycle is to set smaller, manageable goals. Instead of aiming to complete a huge task all at once, break it down into smaller steps. This can make starting less daunting and help you build momentum. For example, if you’re working on a big project, start with a simple outline or a small section. Celebrate those small wins to keep yourself motivated.

 

Another tip is to set a timer for a short period, like 10 or 15 minutes, and commit to working on the task for just that amount of time. Often, getting started is the hardest part, and once you begin, you might find it easier to keep going.

 

Talking to a friend or mentor can also help. They can offer support and encouragement, reminding you that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Remember, perfection is an unrealistic goal, and getting started is the first step toward achieving great things.

 

 

 

 

OVER-EDITING

 

You spend excessive time making small adjustments. Whether it’s tweaking a sentence repeatedly or endlessly adjusting a design, you just can’t seem to finish. This constant fine-tuning is a classic perfectionist behavior. In a research paper by Flett and Hewitt (2002), perfectionists often engage in over-editing because they are never satisfied with the result.

 

This can lead to burnout and reduce the overall quality of your work because you’re focusing too much on minor details instead of the big picture.

 

Spending hours reworking tiny details can be exhausting. You might find yourself stuck on one part of your project for so long that you lose sight of the overall goal. This kind of over-editing can lead to burnout, making you feel exhausted and less motivated to continue.

 

Have you ever spent so much time perfecting one part of your work that you end up hating it? This happens because you’re so focused on making it flawless that you forget why you started the project in the first place. It can take the fun out of creating and turn it into a stressful chore.

 

Over-editing can also delay your progress. While you’re busy nitpicking every little thing, deadlines can slip by, and you might miss out on opportunities. It’s important to know when to step back and say, "This is good enough." Sometimes, less is more, and the big picture matters more than the tiny details.

 

Another downside is that over-editing can actually make your work worse. Constantly changing things can lead to mistakes or make the original idea less clear. It’s like trying to fix something that wasn’t broken to begin with.

 

To combat over-editing, set a limit on how many times you’ll revise something. Give yourself a deadline and stick to it. Remind yourself that perfection is an illusion, and sometimes, done is better than perfect.

 

Also, try to get feedback from others. They can offer a fresh perspective and help you see that your work is already good. Often, we’re our own worst critics, and someone else might see the value in what we’ve created that we can’t see ourselves.

 

In the end, it’s all about balance. It’s okay to strive for quality, but don’t let the pursuit of perfection stop you from finishing your projects and sharing your work with the world.

 

 

 

 

 

AVOIDANCE 

 

You avoid trying new things because you fear failure.

This keeps you stuck in your comfort zone and prevents you from growing and learning. Perfectionists often avoid activities where there is a risk of making mistakes. According to a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology (Frost et al., 1990), this avoidance can limit personal and professional growth. You might miss out on new opportunities and experiences because you’re too afraid of not being perfect.

 

How many times have you skipped trying something new just because you were scared you wouldn’t get it right on the first try? This fear can hold you back from discovering hidden talents or passions. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try painting, but you keep putting it off because you’re worried your first attempt won’t look great.

 

Avoiding things means you miss out on learning from your mistakes. Every mistake is a chance to learn and get better, but if you never take the plunge, you miss out on these lessons. You end up staying in your safe bubble, which feels comfy but can be pretty limiting.

 

This habit can also mess with your career. You might avoid taking on new projects or roles because you’re afraid you won’t be perfect. This can stop you from moving up in your job or finding a new career path you might love. The same goes for personal growth – avoiding new stuff can keep you from learning new skills and building confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH STANDARDS 

 

You set unrealistic goals that are nearly impossible to achieve. While aiming high can be good, these standards can be so high that they set you up for failure. Research by Stoeber and Otto (2006) found that perfectionists often set goals that are beyond reach, leading to a constant feeling of inadequacy. This can be incredibly demotivating and can cause you to feel like you’re never good enough, no matter how hard you try.

 

As an artist, you might aim to create a perfect pieces for an upcoming exhibition. You want your paintings to be flawless, and this can make the process incredibly stressful. You might spend hours obsessing over tiny details, trying to make everything perfect, and end up feeling like you’re never satisfied with the result. In the end, you might even decide not to submit your work because you think it's not good enough.

 

Maybe you’ve set a goal to have your work ready for a big art fair. This is a fantastic ambition, but it can also be daunting. If you focus solely on this end goal, you might miss out on the joy of creating and experimenting with new techniques. The pressure to meet such high standards can make it hard to appreciate the beauty in your progress. Sometimes, you might find yourself reworking a piece so much that you never actually finish it in time for the event.

 

Having high standards isn't always bad. It can push you to do your best and achieve great things. But there’s a fine line between pushing yourself to improve and pushing yourself too hard. If you’re constantly falling short of your goals, it might be time to reassess and set more realistic targets.

 

One way to do this is by breaking your big goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of saying, "I need to create a masterpiece," start with, "I’ll finish one painting a week." Celebrating these small wins can boost your confidence and keep you moving forward.

 

Also, remember to give yourself credit for your efforts, even if the results aren’t perfect. Perfectionists often overlook their progress because they’re so focused on the end goal. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and recognize your hard work.

 

It’s also helpful to talk to someone you trust about your goals. They can provide a reality check and help you see if your standards are too high. Sometimes, an outside perspective can make a big difference.

 

 

 

 

 

SELF-CRITICISM

 

You’re extremely hard on yourself for any mistakes, no matter how small. This constant self-criticism can erode your self-esteem and make you feel inadequate. According to Shafran et al. (2002), perfectionists tend to magnify their mistakes and view them as personal failures. This harsh self-judgment can lead to anxiety and depression, making it difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life.

 

When you beat yourself up over every little thing, it’s like carrying around a heavy weight. You might find yourself replaying your mistakes over and over in your head, thinking, "Why did I do that?" or "I should have known better." This kind of thinking can be exhausting and discouraging.

 

Self-criticism can also stop you from taking risks or trying new things. You might think, "If I mess up, I’ll never forgive myself," so you avoid stepping out of your comfort zone. This fear of making mistakes can hold you back from opportunities and experiences that could help you grow.

 

Being your own worst critic can strain your relationships too. Friends and family might not understand why you’re so hard on yourself, and it can be tough for them to see you struggle. They might even start walking on eggshells around you, worried about adding to your stress.

 

 

 

 

 

SEEKING APPROVAL

 

You constantly seek approval from others to validate your work.

If you don’t get the feedback you’re looking for, you might feel like a failure. This need for external validation can be exhausting and can undermine your confidence.

 

Research by Blatt (1995) suggests that perfectionists often rely on others’ opinions to gauge their self-worth, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy if those opinions are not favorable.

 

Always looking for a pat on the back can wear you out. When you depend on others to say you did a good job, you might start to doubt yourself if they don’t. This constant need for approval can make your emotions go up and down, depending on what others think.

 

Depending too much on what others think can also make you a people-pleaser. You might end up doing things just to get approval, rather than because you want to. This can make you lose sight of your own goals and passions. It’s like living your life based on someone else’s script, which can be really frustrating.

 

Not getting the approval you want can also hit your self-esteem hard. You might start to believe you’re not good enough, which can lead to anxiety and even depression. It’s a tough cycle because the more you seek approval and don’t get it, the worse you feel about yourself.

 

One way to deal with this is to start trusting your own judgment. Instead of always looking for others to say you did well, try to tell yourself you did a good job. Ask yourself if you’re happy with your work. Building your own confidence takes time, but it’s worth it.

 

Another tip is to hang out with supportive people who cheer you on but don’t define your worth. Having a solid support system can help you feel more secure and less needy for constant approval.

 

 

 

 

 

PERFECTIONIST TENDENCIES IN RELATIONSHIPS

 

You might expect perfection from others, which can strain your relationships. Being overly critical or demanding can push people away. According to Hewitt and Flett (1991), perfectionism can lead to interpersonal problems because perfectionists often project their high standards onto others. This can create tension and conflict in personal and professional relationships, making it difficult to maintain healthy connections.

 

Your perfectionist tendencies also make you hesitant to ask for help or accept support from others. You might think, "If I want it done right, I have to do it myself," which can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This self-imposed pressure can make you feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people who care about you.

 

Perfectionism can make it hard to appreciate the small victories and progress in your relationships. Instead of celebrating what’s going well, you might focus on what’s still lacking or what could be improved. This constant focus on flaws can be exhausting for both you and your loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

DIFFICULTY DELEGATING 

 

You struggle to delegate tasks because you believe no one else can do them as well as you can. This can lead to burnout as you take on too much yourself. A study by Stoeber and Rennert (2008) found that perfectionists have a hard time trusting others to complete tasks to their standards. This inability to delegate can result in overwhelming workloads and increased stress levels.

 

Trying to do everything yourself can be exhausting. You might find yourself burning the midnight oil, working late nights and weekends just to keep up. It’s a fast track to feeling worn out and stressed. The study found that perfectionists often worry that if they hand off tasks, things won’t be done right. This fear of mistakes or lower-quality work makes it tough to let go.

 

The researchers also noticed that not delegating can mess up team dynamics. If your team feels like you don’t trust them to do a good job, they might get frustrated or lose motivation. On the other hand, learning to delegate can boost team spirit and overall productivity.

 

Delegating tasks doesn’t mean you’re losing control; it means you’re smartly managing your resources. Trusting others to handle certain tasks can free up your time for more critical activities and give you a chance to take a break. And, ,it allows your team members to develop their skills and take on more responsibility. It’s okay to ask for help, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re smart enough to manage your workload effectively.

 

 

 

 

 

FEAR OF FEEDBACK

 

You avoid feedback because you’re afraid of criticism. This fear can prevent you from improving and growing in your skills. According to research by Frost et al. (1990), perfectionists often see feedback as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth. This can limit your ability to learn from your mistakes and make necessary improvements in your work.

 

When you're scared of feedback, it’s like putting up a wall between you and getting better at what you do. You might think, "If I don’t hear anything bad, then I must be doing everything right," but that’s not really how growth works. Avoiding feedback means you miss out on valuable insights that could help you improve.

 

Feedback is meant to help you, not hurt you. It’s like a map showing you the best route to your destination. Sure, sometimes it might point out that you took a wrong turn, but that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning process. If you never get feedback, you’ll keep making the same mistakes without realizing it.

 

 

 

 

 

Being open to feedback can actually make your work better and help you grow as a person. Think about it like this: even the best athletes have coaches to give them feedback. They don’t see it as criticism; they see it as a way to get better. The same goes for any skill or job.

 

It’s also important to remember that not all feedback is negative. Sometimes, people will point out what you’re doing really well, which can boost your confidence. Positive feedback can be just as helpful as constructive criticism.

 

To get over the fear of feedback, try to see it as a gift. It’s someone taking the time to help you out. Start by asking for feedback from people you trust and who you know have your best interests at heart. As you get more comfortable with it, you’ll find that feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement.

 

 

 

 

 

INABILITY TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS

 

Even when you achieve something great, you focus on the flaws. Instead of celebrating your accomplishments, you dwell on what could have been better.

This inability to recognize your achievements can be demoralizing and can prevent you from feeling satisfied with your work. Research by Bieling et al. (2004) suggests that perfectionists often downplay their successes, which can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.

 

If these signs sound familiar, you might be dealing with perfectionism. Recognizing these traits is the first step to overcoming them.

Nobody is perfect, and striving for perfection can often hinder your progress and happiness. Aim for excellence, but allow yourself to be human.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT PERFECTIONISM?

 

Luckily, there are ways to manage perfectionism. You don’t have to let it take over your life. With a few simple strategies, you can keep those perfectionist tendencies in check and find a healthier balance.

 

 

 

SET REALISTIC GOALS 

 

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for “good enough.” Setting achievable goals can reduce the pressure you put on yourself. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way. Think about it - no one climbed Everest in one giant leap; they took it one step at a time.

Setting realistic goals is all about being kind to yourself.

 

Imagine you’re trying to clean your entire house in one afternoon. Sounds exhausting, right? But what if you tackled one room at a time?

Suddenly, it doesn’t seem so bad. The same goes for your projects. Break them down into bite-sized chunks and take them one at a time.

 

Perfectionists often set goals that are way too high, and then feel terrible when they don’t reach them. It’s like trying to jump over a skyscraper - unrealistic and, quite frankly, impossible. So, let’s keep our feet on the ground and set goals that are challenging yet achievable.

 

 

 

ACCEPT MISTAKES 

 

Understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing. Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s through these errors that we learn and improve. Try to see each mistake as a chance to grow rather than a setback.

As the saying goes, “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.” Imagine if every inventor gave up after their first mistake - we'd be in the dark, literally! 

 

Seriously, even the most successful people have stumbled a bunch of times. Think about it - if Thomas Edison had given up after his first failed attempt, we might still be using candles! So, instead of freaking out over every little slip-up, try to see mistakes as your personal growth spurt.

Mistakes aren’t the end of the world; they’re just stepping stones on the way to getting better.

 

Think about that time you tried a new recipe and it turned out... well, let's say "interesting"? You probably learned something from that, right? Maybe not to use salt instead of sugar? Life’s pretty much the same.

 

Instead of letting mistakes get you down, use them to build yourself up. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

Embrace the messiness of the creative process. Trust me, it's way more fun than trying to make everything perfect. Plus, some of the best ideas come from happy accidents. Ever heard of the Post-it Note? Yeah, that was a mistake too. 

 

Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s okay! Adjust your goals as needed and keep moving forward.

 

 

 

 

TAKE BREAKS 

 

Give yourself time to step away from your work and return with fresh eyes. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining mental clarity and creativity. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your brain.

 

Taking breaks isn’t just about avoiding burnout, though that’s a huge benefit. It’s also about giving your brain the space it needs to make connections and come up with new ideas. Ever notice how your best ideas come when you’re in the shower or taking a walk? That’s your brain at work, connecting the dots without the pressure.

 

Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat a few times, then take a longer break. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique, and it’s a cool thing.

 

Also, don’t feel guilty about taking time off. Breaks are productive! They help you stay focused and keep your creativity flowing. Keep in mind  - you’re not a machine. You need time to recharge. So, step away from the keyboard, enjoy a bit of fresh air, and come back ready to rock.

 

 

 

 

LIMIT EDITS 

 

Set a specific number of times you’ll revise something and stick to it.

This helps avoid the endless cycle of tweaking and overthinking. It’s like being stuck in a loop of editing doom, never quite reaching the finish line.

 

Let’s be real, nobody has time to revise a piece of work a hundred times. We’ve all been there - editing the same sentence over and over until it feels like gibberish. Sometimes good enough is actually great.

 

Decide upfront how many revisions you’re going to allow yourself ( I do -  have this kind of problem myself  - editing too much :-)) ).  Maybe it's two, maybe three.... or thirty-three... Well, try not to come so far, so thirty NOT!

After that, it's "pencils" down. This rule keeps you from getting bogged down in minor details and helps you move on to new projects.

 

Think about it like this - would you rather have one “perfect” piece that took forever to finish or several really good pieces that you actually completed? Limiting edits frees you up to create more and stress less.

 

Set a timer for your revisions. Give yourself a set amount of time - say, an hour - to make changes. When the timer goes off, you’re done. It’s a great way to keep yourself focused and avoid going down the editing rabbit hole.

Think, every time you hit publish or submit, you’re learning and growing. Each piece doesn’t have to be flawless; it just has to be done.

So, set your limit, stick to it, and move on.

 

 

 

 

SEEK FEEDBACK 

 

Get input from others to help you see that your work is already good. It’s easy to get stuck in your own head and lose perspective. Sometimes you need an outside opinion to remind you that what you’ve done is pretty awesome.

 

Think about it - how many times have you worked on something, convinced it’s not good enough, only to have someone else tell you it’s great? That’s the power of feedback. It can give you the boost you need and help you see your work in a new light.

 

Ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to take a look at what you’re working on. Their fresh eyes might catch things you’ve missed or reassure you that you’re on the right track. Plus, feedback can offer new ideas and perspectives that you hadn’t considered.

 

Don’t be afraid to hear constructive criticism. It’s not about tearing you down; it’s about helping you grow.

 

Get input from others to help you see that your work is already good.

Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect. What’s important is that you’re doing your best and enjoying the process.Feedback helps you get better and keeps you moving forward.

 

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

Perfectionism can be a real creativity killer -  by creating fear, self-doubt, and procrastination. It can make the creative process stressful and less enjoyable.

It can rob you of your happiness. When you’re always focused on what’s wrong or what could be better, you miss out on appreciating what’s good. It's essential to learn to let go and accept that good enough is often just that  - good enough.

Recognizing it and taking steps to manage it can make a big difference. It’s all about finding balance and giving yourself permission to be imperfect. 

 

But let’s not forget, perfectionism isn’t all bad. When used with common sense, it has its perks too. It can push you to achieve high standards and do excellent work. Perfectionists usually have a great eye for detail and are super organized. These traits can be a huge advantage in school, work, and personal projects. The key is balance - let your perfectionist side motivate you to do your best, but don’t let it take over your life. 

 

Do you know a difference between negative and positive perfectionism? It's actually pretty simple.

 

Negative Perfectionism 

This is the kind that messes with your head. Negative perfectionists are always worried about making mistakes and never feel satisfied with their work. They set super high standards that are almost impossible to reach. This constant stress can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and even depression. It’s like trying to climb a mountain with a backpack full of rocks. Not fun, right?

 

 

Positive Perfectionism

On the flip side, positive perfectionism is a lot healthier. Positive perfectionists still strive for excellence, but they do it in a way that’s motivating, not paralyzing. They set high but achievable goals and learn from their mistakes instead of beating themselves up over them. This type of perfectionism can actually help you improve and grow. It’s like having a GPS that guides you to your destination without stressing you out.

So, the big difference is in how you handle the pressure. Negative perfectionism drags you down, while positive perfectionism lifts you up. The key is to find that balance where you aim high but also give yourself a break when things aren’t perfect

 

Do you have any tips or tricks for overcoming negative perfectionism?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

 

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REFERENCES:

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Smith, R., Brown, T., & Lee, M. (2020). The Mental Health Impacts of Perfectionism: A Comprehensive Study. Journal of Psychological Health, 59(3), 212-225.

Blatt, S. J. (1995). The destructiveness of perfectionism: Implications for the treatment of depression. American Psychologist, 50(12), 1003.

Bieling, P. J., Israeli, A. L., & Antony, M. M. (2004). Is perfectionism good, bad, or both? Examining models of the perfectionism construct. Personality and Individual Differences, 36(6), 1373-1385.

Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2002). Perfectionism: Theory, research, and treatment. American Psychological Association.

Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., & Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 14(5), 449-468.

Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456.

Shafran, R., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (2002). Clinical perfectionism: A cognitive-behavioural analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(7), 773-791.

Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 65.

Stoeber, J., & Otto, K. (2006). Positive conceptions of perfectionism: Approaches, evidence, challenges. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(4), 295-319.

Stoeber, J., & Rennert, D. (2008). Perfectionism in school teachers: Relations with stress appraisals, coping styles, and burnout. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 21(1), 37-53.