Authentic Imperfection is the Goal

Authentic Imperfection is the Goal

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a creative rut, unable to move forward with a project because you just can't seem to get it "perfect"? It's a common struggle for many of us. While striving for excellence can be a positive trait, the pursuit of perfection can actually hinder your creativity in the long run.

I have enjoyed crafting for over 25 years...however it took years to pluck up the courage to sell anything that I had made.  The number of abandoned projects was becoming a storage issue....I could never seem to get anything as perfect as the image that I had in my head.

So I took to self work....what was holding me back from just enjoying the creativity of self expression?

Here's What I Discovered

Perfectionism is the relentless pursuit of flawlessness, setting excessively high standards for oneself and others. It often involves critical self-evaluation and concerns about others' opinions. While it may seem like a positive attribute, perfectionism can have detrimental effects on your mental well-being and creative process.

How Perfectionism Stifles Creativity

When you constantly strive for perfection, you may find yourself paralyzed by fear of failure. This fear can prevent you from taking risks, trying new things, and thinking outside the box. Creativity thrives on experimentation and exploration, both of which can be stifled by the rigid constraints of perfectionism.

Embracing Imperfection

Instead of striving for perfection, the idea is to try embracing imperfection. Understand that making mistakes and experiencing setbacks are all part of the creative process. By allowing yourself the freedom to make mistakes, you open yourself up to new possibilities and innovative ideas.

Overcoming Perfectionism

If you find yourself trapped in the cycle of perfectionism, there are steps you can take to break free. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes. Set realistic goals and focus on progress rather than perfection. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage creativity and experimentation.

Remember, creativity is not about achieving perfection; it's about expressing yourself authentically and exploring new ideas. By letting go of the need to be perfect, you can unlock your true creative potential and discover a world of endless possibilities.


 

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