Struggles of Fiction Writers, Part 4: Perfectionism

• Accept that you will never be perfect. No matter how hard you work, there will always be someone who can do something better than you. Perfectionism is an unattainable goal, so it's important to accept that and move on.

• Play as hard as you work. If your "real" project begins to stress you out, take a recess and play around with other formats, genres, or even mediums. Do things you don't intend anyone else to ever see--that way you can take more risks and develop new skills without feeling a need to perform. Take the time to remember what you love about creation and the craft.

• Focus on the process, not the product. When you're working on a creative project, focus on enjoying the process of creating it. Don't worry about the result, just enjoy the journey.

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of the creative process. They can help you to learn and grow as an artist. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, just learn from them and move on. Revision is a part of every writer's work. Even as I'm getting ready to publish this, I'm tweaking!

• Share your work with others. Once you're happy with your work, share it with others. Finding a group of likeminded writers with similar goals is life-changing! Get feedback and see what they think. This can help you to improve your work and become a better artist, and help you get unstuck.

• But don't compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on your own growth. What can you learn from other writers? How can you improve your own craft, and be inspired by their successes? Remember to celebrate your accomplishments and that your voice and perpective are unique and worthwhile.

• Be patient with yourself. It takes time to develop your creativity and become a good artist. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.

Perfectionism can be a paralyzing force for creative people. It can prevent you from taking risks and trying new things. But if you can learn to accept that you will never be perfect, and focus on the process of creating, you can overcome perfectionism and become a more creative person.