How to Embrace the Art of Imperfection as a Writer

Your challenge: define perfection

When I think about how I became a writer, I think back to my childhood, and the things that made me who I was — what drove me and influenced my values. After all, that’s what makes us artists; we use our belief systems to create an image of ‘perfection’. And then we aim to reach it. As writers, this behavior is tenfold.

So, let me ask you this: when you create art (be it through words or strokes), how do you strive to meet perfection?

Hint: There’s only one right answer to this.

Answer: You Don’t

As you grow up, whether you go through certain trauma or live out events that dictate who you become later in life, the world starts to shape the way you create art. And from this process of creation comes a perception of perfection, and every single one of us has a different take on what this actually is.

These days, creators are all too often bogged down trying to work harder and harder, desperately ‘optimizing’ their technique to come up with the next big thing. But they only end up doubting themselves more. “It’s not good enough. I’m not good enough.”

I hear you.

It’s this sense of perfectionism that’s so damaging, and it’s what we see all across the contemporary, artistic world. We may even experience it even more than any other profession. Why? Because we are deep thinkers. We question the world around us and our minds are always active.

So, if we didn’t have that ability to dive deeper into our souls, and consider if we’re doing the very best we can to create impactful work, are we even good writers at all? Are we worthy artists?

The Perfectionist Mindset is a Myth

I don’t know many writers who don’t carry this perfectionist frame of mind. It’s our responsibility as humans, though, to be kind to ourselves. We need to weed out this addiction to becoming ‘godlike’ and remember why we even create art in the first place. Not all of your words need to be perfect; flaws are just characteristics — they make your work unique. And isn’t that art?

If you struggle with the sense of wanting to be perfect in other aspects of your life — maybe you have anxieties, phobias, fears, or specific discomforts — there’s no doubt that this perception seeps into your writing life. And suddenly, nothing at all seems perfect, because your self-esteem and ability to trust the process start to falter.

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.” — Anne Lamott

All of a sudden, you’re getting nothing of note out there at all, because you’re held back by the fear of having your creativity ridiculed.

I’ve been there. I’m still there. I doubt there’s any creator in the world that isn’t. And you know what, that’s what I think is really perfect — the ability to see your moments of doubt as driving forces to aim higher.

Perfectionism, in all its glory, is relative. What one person deems as the perfect body type is another person’s definition of “only okay”. What one artist may see as an outstanding depiction of modern society in an abstract format, may just look like a nonsensical mess to another. Perfectionism is relative because none of us truly know what it is.

Perfectionism, in all its glory, is relative.

But let’s assume that perfectionism is a construct that you can truly measure and reach — something you can attain. If you get a hold of it, then what? Life’s no longer exciting. The drive to create suddenly drops off — how ironic it is that it’s the journey itself is no longer perfect.

My point is that you, as a writer, owe it to yourself to make works of perfection using your own version of it. If your definition is to improve on ‘XYZ’, then that’s what you need to aim for. And when you get there, you go one step higher. You never stop improving, because that’s what artists do. If we really were able to reach the peak of perfection, none of us would want it at all.

What a boring world that would be.

Not sure if you’re suffering from perfectionism syndrome? I highly recommend giving the below article from Anangsha Alammyan a read. Understanding the signs will help you to overcome them. But first, finish off this beauty (wink).