Perfectionism is a trait that many of us grapple with, often from a young age. While it can serve as an asset in structured and formulaic tasks like math, it can be a formidable hurdle when it comes to more creative endeavors. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey of dealing with perfectionism: How it has influenced my creative pursuits and the powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Perfectionism and creativity

For me, creativity has always been my sanctuary, my favorite form of self-expression. However, it was precisely in this realm that my perfectionist tendencies created a significant roadblock. I found myself constantly hesitating to start new projects — such as a video, an art piece, or a piece of writing — if I doubted my ability to manifest the exact vision I had in my mind. This self-imposed barrier prevented me from venturing into the uncharted territories of my imagination.

Photography in community college became my escape from perfectionism. It was in this art form that I realized that sometimes it was OK not to have a predefined outcome. With a camera in hand, I learned to click first and worry about the results later. This approach forced me to capture hundreds of shots, without worrying about quality. In the beginning, most of these photos fell short, but that was not the point.

Embracing failure

One of the most significant revelations in my journey to overcome perfectionism was the realization that failure is a part of growth. For the longest time, I had been avoiding failure at all costs, fearing its consequences. However, it was precisely the failures, the subpar photos I took, that pushed me to confront my limitations and improve. Failure was not my enemy; it was my guide, leading me toward progress. Which in the end, helped me earn my degree and minor.

Perfectionism as a barrier

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives us to aim for excellence. On the other hand, it can paralyze and prevent us from even starting a project. It breeds a fear of failure that can stop our creativity and keep us within the confines of our comfort zone. It’s important to recognize when perfectionism is holding us back and actively work to overcome it.

The reward of improvement

As I embraced the concept of failing forward, I discovered that improvement is the ultimate reward for those willing to endure failures. Every bad photo, every flawed attempt at art, and every incomplete project became a stepping stone toward my growth as a creative individual. Failure didn’t define me; it refined me. It encouraged me to reassess, learn from my mistakes, and approach my creative endeavors with a newfound perspective.

Conclusion

Perfectionism is a formidable foe for any creative soul, but it’s one you can overcome. My journey, marred with hesitation and self-doubt, eventually led me to embrace failure as a teacher and catalyst for improvement. By recognizing the limitations of perfectionism, we can liberate ourselves to explore the boundless realms of creativity. So, to all the perfectionists out there: Remember, it’s OK to fail because within those failures lie the seeds of your future success and artistic growth.