Perfectionism is an insidious demon that must be fought with every weapon you’ve got.
Here’s what’s so tricky about perfectionism: it turns procrastination into a virtue.
Because it’s good to have high standards, right?
And it’s good to expect the best from your self, right?
We want to make things that are beautiful, extraordinary, unique…
And then you crumble under the pressure you’ve put on yourself and never create anything at all. But it’s not your fault – it’s your damn high standards.
The other problem with perfectionism is that it keeps you from noticing the great things that you create effortlessly.
By keeping your focus on that which is hard, unattainable or impossible to execute, you fail to give yourself credit for that which is easy and fun.
While you’re busy struggling with the idea that you need to be some great painter (all the while NOT painting), you might miss out on a brilliant career as a caricaturist. Your frustrated desire to write the perfect novel can prevent you from seeing your potential as a lyricist.
This is the worst kind of snobbery.
Disdaining your own gifts is as cruel as disdaining your own children.
Remember: The World Needs Your Art.
