How Perfectionism Is Killing Your Creativity

Perfectionism and Procrastination

Every bit I was researching this post, I came beyond an article by Maria Popova at Encephalon Pickings about writer Anne Lamott and how she feels perfectionism stunts creativity.

Popova summarizes Lamott this way: "At the heart of writing … lies a chapters for quiet grit and a willingness to decondition the all too human tendency to get and so overwhelmed by the enormity of the journeying that we're besides paralyzed to take the offset footstep." Doesn't THAT sound familiar? I feel paralyzed by fear in my fine art making all the time. Do yous?

We are paralyzed past:

• the blank page
• a good outset
• fear of failure
• fear of success
• our last "failed" art piece
• our last "successful" fine art slice
• someone else's talent
• someone else's critiques

All this stopping makes it hard to start.

To overcome the paralysis that accompanies the fright of non being "perfect" or "skilful enough," I have management from some other astonishing artist and writer, SARK. She talks about making the "micro movements" that lead to creative action – on the first day y'all take out the pair of scissors, on the side by side you lot clear your tabular array, on the third you buy some markers, and possibly on the 4th, you make a dot somewhere on the page.

Somehow breaking things into little steps makes them feel less intimidating. This is the metaphor at the heart of Lamott's volume, Bird by Bird. She asks u.s.a. to merely prove upwards, begin, and take things i at a time. I value having permission to show up and create something, regardless of the issue. That'southward when I create freely and can often go into that state of "menses," where I lose rail of time, and the art doesn't need to be "perfect."

Perfectionism Takes a Toll on Your Self-Esteem

Perfectionism can lead to some really negative thinking: "You aren't good enough," "You don't deserve this," or "This isn't 'art.'" This kind of harsh self-talk is meant to keep y'all from taking chances, exploring, growing, and getting started on your next creative endeavor.

Artist or non, I see then many people in my office who are dominated by their perfectionism in many areas of their lives. They feel inadequate at school, in their jobs, and with their friends. As a result they feel anxious and lonely. I'grand inviting you to talk back to perfectionism, what many artists like to telephone call "the inner critic."

How One Fine art Therapist Uses Art to Combat Perfectionism and Fear

One of the get-go exercises in many of my courses is confronting the inner critic. Art therapist Sarah Kulig, of Due south Burlington Vermont, took my Fine art Journaling 101 Online class this winter. When she sent me some photos of her journal pages recently, information technology was like a lightening bolt hit me in the forehead. Her response to her inner critic is witty, chiding, and completely freeing. I wish I had thought of it.

What would happen if you told off your inner critic? Or told perfectionism to take a hike? Hither'southward what happened for Sarah:

Artist: Sara Kulig

Isn't this amazing? I love how she even gives herself permission to be scared – A LOT, and the reassurance of cocky-love and self-credence is beautiful. Sarah, I'm hoping that yous will inspire others as much every bit you've inspired me with your backbone and wit.

Artist: Sarah Kulig

Her art is real. Moving. Emotional. Spiritual. Perfectionism has no place hither.

Artist: Sarah Kulig

If y'all are interested in doing some of this work too! Click here to learn more.

Imperfect Art is Moving

Some of my nearly "imperfect," inexact, and inaccurate pieces have been the most meaningful. My job is to bear witness up on the page, the canvas, the sewing machine, or to my guitar. My job is to be a vessel, and to allow creation to flow through me. It's most like a scrubbing for the soul.

If I'one thousand just a conduit, for the fine art, I'yard non responsible for the art product, whether it'due south "good" or "bad." When I accomplish "flow" in art making, it's a magical take chances. I curiosity at what appears, like any other onlooker, because what is emerging is equally much a surprise to me as it is to the person looking over my shoulder.

Tell Perfectionism to Get Lost!

My challenge to you is to tell perfectionism to accept step aside. It doesn't matter what form your creativity takes – whether you are an artist, writer, dancer, marketing good, or cook – you lot need creativity. Let's not let perfectionism continue its evil dictatorship. Share in the comments section. Make a poem, a rant, a manifesto, but share it with us.

Click hither to learn more near Art Journaling 101, and tell your perfectionism to take a hike like Sarah did.

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Source: https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-perfectionism-is-killing-your-creativity/

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