Tips to Overcome Perfectionism as a Writer
It goes without saying that one of the hardest aspects of being a writer is the writing itself. Getting your ideas down on paper in a coherent manner is a lengthy process even without disruptions such as writer’s block, life distractions and general lack of time. Another significant obstacle is perfectionism, which I’ve felt it on countless occasions and even grappled with while writing this article. What I mean by perfectionism isn’t so much the act of scrutinizing every word or being pedantic about grammar, but rather the act of self-sabotaging by not even sitting down to write at all. When this occurs, ideas become shelved to be explored ‘some other day’, or at a time when you will somehow be able to articulate your ideas perfectly.
Being a writer with a perfectionist mindset is a vicious and debilitating cycle. I’ve learned that there’s no quick fix to overcoming perfectionism and it demands consistent work to recognize and handle triggers.
However, this doesn’t mean your writing has to suffer. If you find yourself stuck in a perfectionist mind-rut but you really want to see your idea through, these practices can help you work your way out.
Find a Home for Your Ideas
When inspiration strikes, grab a piece of paper and write it down as soon as possible. The longer you let your ideas linger in your mind, the more likely you will be prone to overthink and pick them apart. There’s something so validating about writing your ideas down. Even if it takes the form of dot points, ideas on the page are powerful, in that they become materialized and are free to exist as something concrete, and not just a passing possibility.
‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.’ ~ Mark Twain
Keep a Daily Journal
Allow this practice to become something you don’t give a second thought. With no one else reading your journal but you, there’s less pressure to be perfect. If you’re stuck for ideas, find some prompts to guide you – I’ve been following Jo’s journal challenge, or the daily pages is another popular option. You’ll be amazed how much easier writing without overthinking everything becomes over time, posing as a fantastic starting point to getting in the flow before tackling your projects.
Think on Your Feet
As with many problems in life, there’s nothing a walk in the outdoors can’t fix. The scientific literature on the benefits of walking are countless, with studies showing that it not only assists physical health, but can vastly improve memory, attention, and creativity. Prolific writers such as Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemmingway, Vladimir Nabokov and many others were also fierce advocates for the power of walking. Personally, I’ve found that it works wonders in easing stress and overwhelm, especially when it comes to overthinking, and even helps to solidify existing ideas and spark new ones.
‘After a day's walk everything has twice its usual value.’ ~ George Macauley Trevelyan
Join a Writers’ Group
A little tough love never goes astray. If you struggle to keep yourself accountable because of the same setbacks, joining a writers’ group will force you to ‘show up’. Not only that, but these groups also provide a supportive space full of likeminded writers, many of whom are likely grappling with similar creative roadblocks. Sharing your experiences and verbalizing your ideas can be a massive help in boosting motivation and clarifying your thoughts.
Lower Your Expectations
It’s likely that, as a perfectionist, your expectations are exceedingly high. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, setting such high standards for yourself can lead to a fear of failure, imposing increased pressure and more opportunities for self-sabotage. Strip everything back and focus on the personal fulfillment that writing brings. Learning to love the process, and not just being focused on the end goal, means you’ll be more likely to write more often. Whether you choose to submit your work upon completion is up to you. Regardless, you’ll feel accomplished in the knowledge that you are more capable than you think and inspired that such a capability can be born out of your love for writing.
While perfectionism is a mindset that’s hard to crack, working through it will always be worth it. Try to remember that inaction is infinitely worse than writing an ‘imperfect’ piece. One of those outcomes gets you one step closer to improving, and the other only holds you back from ever realizing your potential.
The urge to write never fades and neither should your resolve to do so.
‘If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.’ ~ Margaret Atwood
