Writing

Stop Perfectionism. Just Write

Why imperfection is the key to getting your words out there

Do you know what I’ve always dreamed of?

To become a fantastic writer, to write stories that captivate people’s hearts and minds.

I’ve always imagined having my name printed on the cover of a best-selling book, just like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. But, despite my burning desire, I’ve only managed to produce a few blog posts here and there. My productivity has declined over the years, and I’ve made no money from my writing.

It’s a source of shame for me, and I hardly ever talk about it with anyone. It took me a while to figure out what was holding me back from achieving my dreams:

Perfectionism.

Why Perfectionism Is Bad

Ali Abdaal, the author of Feel Good Productivity, recently delved into the detrimental effects of perfectionism in a YouTube video, highlighting critical reasons why perfectionism hinders progress.

Perfectionists Apply Less Effort After Setbacks

Research on perfectionism reveals that after experiencing failure, perfectionists tend to exert less effort in subsequent attempts. This difficulty in coping with setbacks breeds procrastination — a behavior characterized by avoidance of potential failure. Perfectionists often have a harder time bouncing back from a bad review than a bouncy castle after a child’s birthday party.

Consequently, rather than enhancing performance, perfectionism often leads to diminished outcomes following setbacks.

Perfectionists Are Prone to Burnout

Perfectionists habitually push themselves to the limit in their quest for flawlessness.

This relentless pursuit often comes at the expense of essential aspects of their lives, such as adequate rest. The result? A paradoxical decline in productivity, success, and a significant increase in burnout.

The Perfectionism Trap

Perfectionism ensnares individuals in a destructive cycle of self-criticism and diminished self-esteem.

The high standards perfectionists set for themselves often lead to failure, triggering feelings of shame, anxiety, and stress. This, in turn, prompts them to set even loftier goals — an unsustainable cycle that perpetuates failure.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome reflects doubts about one’s competence despite evidence to the contrary, further exacerbated by perfectionism.

The constant pressure perfectionists put on themselves to meet external expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy. The advent of social media has only intensified this issue, with comparisons to seemingly more successful individuals fostering dissatisfaction and eroding confidence.

How I Overcame Perfectionism

Setting Reasonable Standards and Just Getting Started

I once set such lofty standards for my writing that I felt utterly inadequate.

However, at the start of this year, I took a leap by joining Medium and adopting a more forgiving approach to my writing. I began to view every post as a triumph, shifting my focus from producing universally adored stories to simply completing pieces suitable for publication on Medium.

This shift has been transformative.

From my first story posted on January 6, 2024, to the present, I’ve published 26 stories. This may not be a lot compared to those who post every day. But it is 26 more than how much I had written in the same period of time last year.

Embracing Failure as a Form of Success

Ali Abdaal outlines four stages of reconciling with failure, ranging from viewing it as detrimental to seeing it as a form of success. This perspective shift is crucial for overcoming the setbacks that perfectionism exacerbates.

My previous anxieties over potential criticism and errors in my work only fueled my reluctance to write. However, by reinterpreting failures as learning opportunities — for instance, recognizing that humor may not always be appropriate in serious finance topics — I’ve been able to increase both my writing frequency and the completion of my drafts.

Adopting Open Goals Over SMART Goals

While SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are beneficial in a corporate setting, I found them overwhelming for personal projects, often leading to procrastination. Following Ali Abdaal’s advice, I’ve embraced open, exploratory goals.

Currently, my writing goal is simple: write on Medium whenever time permits.

Although not a SMART goal, this approach has significantly boosted my writing productivity, turning each piece into a sense of achievement.

Final Words

My writing remains imperfect, but by shedding the shackles of perfectionism, I’ve also cast aside my propensity to procrastinate.

I’ve written considerably more than in the previous year and have been pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback received for my “imperfect” posts.

I’m truly grateful for the Medium community’s encouragement, which has bolstered my confidence and comfort with writing.

Perfectionism is indeed the antithesis of productive writing, and I am relieved to have liberated myself from its grasp.

Hi, I am Cat. I am a writer, artist, and snowboarder disguised as a software engineer during the day. I’d love you to follow me (Cat S Guan) to see my stories on your feed. To have stories sent directly to you, subscribe to my newsletter. 👇