Chapter 1: The Myth of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often glorified, but it can be more of a burden than a badge of honor. I used to wear it proudly, believing it meant that I would only produce quality work once I had everything figured out. I thought that perfectionism was an essential aspect of being an artist, one that distinguished those who shared their creations from those who didn't. I assumed that those who succeeded had achieved a level of perfection that I had yet to attain through study, reading, and practice.

This mindset was utterly misguided.

Many years ago, while pursuing my studies in music, dance, and drama, my schedule was chaotic. With dance classes nearly every day and limited time for singing and acting, I often clashed with my ballet instructor, Carina. I struggled to let go, and my tension showed in every movement. My turns were particularly lacking.

“Viola, you’re an actress. Pretend to be a dancer!” she would insist.

“But I’ll look foolish!” I protested.

“Not much more foolish than you already do.”

My singing instructor, Alvin, had his own way of pushing me out of my comfort zone. “Viola, open your mouth! If you want to hit the note, you need to open it wide!” he would say.

“But I might sound terrible,” I replied.

“Do you want to learn or not?” he challenged. “Next!”

Years later, my screenwriting mentor, Tom, pointed out that my perfectionism was nothing but a mask for fear. “Excuse me?! What exactly am I afraid of?” I snapped, defensive.

His words struck a nerve, causing my defenses to build the highest wall yet. I despised him for it. I considered myself entertaining and skilled with words. Why would I be scared?

I simply wanted my writing to be polished and free from criticism. Maybe Tom wasn't the right teacher for me, or perhaps this class wasn’t a good fit.

Despite taking various classes, reading countless books, and engaging in discussions with fellow writers, fleeting moments of courage would appear. Yet, the constant fear of inadequacy loomed large. I started numerous projects, only to abandon them, convinced none were good enough.

Perfectionism trapped me in a suffocating box, much like a puppy anxiously awaiting its owner. My creative spirit longed to break free while I kept it locked away, fearing failure and judgment.

However, this mindset also provided a false sense of safety. I was shielded from criticism and the risk of disappointing others. As long as I stayed hidden, I could avoid shame.

I understood that I wasn't extraordinary—just another face in the crowd. I could entertain for a short while but couldn't protect anyone from getting burned in the long run.

It’s been said: what others think of you is not your concern. True freedom lies in realizing you cannot please everyone. The greatest liberation occurs when you silence the inner critic—your Perfectionist.

Go ahead and hit that off-key note; make a mistake in your dance. Write a story that flops.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'll produce mediocre content and maybe even annoy some people, and that’s perfectly okay. I would rather embrace failure and learn from it than stifle my creativity.

Am I still apprehensive about hitting the publish button? Absolutely. But I will do it anyway because, ultimately, all those fancy sun protection products lose their effectiveness after a certain point.

Perfectionism knocks at my door,

settles on my welcome mat.

It invites itself in, removes its coat,

and leaps inside without a care.

With a tight throat and wide eyes,

I kindly but firmly show it the door,

speaking aloud,

“You don’t belong here anymore.”

Hell yes!

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Chapter 2: The Road to Acceptance

This video, titled "Is All Perfectionism Bad? The Answer May Surprise You," explores the nuances of perfectionism and its impact on creativity, offering insights that challenge common perceptions.

In "Here's Why Perfectionism Will Destroy You and Everything You Love," viewers are taken on a journey to understand how perfectionism can hinder personal growth and relationships.