Perfectionism—it’s a word that haunts many writers. While the desire to create something excellent is commendable, perfectionism often does more harm than good. It traps us in a cycle of self-doubt, endless revisions, and unfinished projects. But here’s the good news: perfection isn’t necessary to produce great work. In fact, it’s the enemy of creativity.
Today’s Tony Tips Tuesday is all about embracing imperfection and focusing on progress over perfection. Writing badly isn’t a failure; it’s part of the process. The goal is to get your words down on the page—you can always fix them later.
The Problem with Perfectionism
At its core, perfectionism is driven by fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of not being good enough. For writers, these fears manifest in several ways:
1. Fear of Starting
How many times have you stared at a blank page, paralyzed by the thought that your words won’t be good enough? Perfectionism often stops us from even starting.
2. Getting Stuck in the Middle
Perfectionists often obsess over every sentence, refusing to move on until it’s “just right.” This can derail progress and leave projects unfinished.
3. Never Finishing
Even when a draft is complete, perfectionists struggle to let it go. They’re convinced it needs “one more edit,” which can lead to endless revisions and missed opportunities.
4. Losing Joy in Writing
Writing should be a creative and fulfilling experience. Perfectionism turns it into a chore, draining the joy and spontaneity from the process.
Why Imperfection is Essential
No first draft is perfect. Even the most celebrated authors start with rough drafts that are far from polished. Imperfection is not a weakness—it’s a necessary step toward greatness.
1. Creativity Thrives in Imperfection
When you’re not worried about getting everything right, you’re free to explore ideas, take risks, and experiment. This is where true creativity happens.
2. Writing is Rewriting
The beauty of writing is that it doesn’t have to be perfect the first time. You have the opportunity to revise, refine, and polish your work until it shines.
3. Progress Builds Confidence
Every word you write, even if it’s not perfect, is a step forward. The more you write, the more confident you become in your abilities.
4. Readers Value Authenticity Over Perfection
Perfect writing can feel cold and mechanical. Readers connect with writing that’s authentic, heartfelt, and real—even if it’s not flawless.
How to Overcome Perfectionism
Breaking free from perfectionism takes practice, but it’s entirely possible. Here are some strategies to help you embrace imperfection and focus on progress:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of aiming for perfection, set achievable goals that prioritize progress. For example, commit to writing 500 words a day, regardless of quality.
2. Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly
Tell yourself it’s okay to write badly. The first draft is just for you. It’s where you figure out your ideas and let your creativity flow.
Tip: Repeat this mantra: “Done is better than perfect.”
3. Use Timed Writing Sessions
Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and write without stopping. Don’t go back to edit or second-guess yourself. Just focus on getting words on the page.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Finishing a draft, completing a chapter, or even just sitting down to write is worth celebrating.
5. Seek Feedback Early
Perfectionists often hesitate to share their work until it’s “perfect.” Sharing early drafts with trusted readers can provide valuable insights and remind you that your work doesn’t have to be flawless to be effective.
6. Keep a "Bad Writing" File
Create a file for sentences, paragraphs, or scenes that didn’t work but still have potential. This helps you see the value in imperfect writing and gives you material to revisit later.
Progress Over Perfection: A Writing Exercise
To practice embracing imperfection, try this exercise:
Choose a Prompt: Pick a writing prompt or an idea you’ve been wanting to explore.
Set a Timer: Give yourself 15 minutes to write without stopping.
Don’t Edit: Resist the urge to fix mistakes or revise as you go.
Reflect: When the timer goes off, read what you’ve written. Celebrate the fact that you created something, even if it’s rough.
Optional Revision: If you see potential in your draft, spend another 15 minutes revising it.
The goal of this exercise is to remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection. Each draft, no matter how imperfect, brings you closer to your goals.
Examples of Imperfect Beginnings
Some of the most successful writers started with messy first drafts. Here are a few examples:
1. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Manuscript
Rowling’s original manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected by multiple publishers before it became a global phenomenon. Her first drafts were far from perfect, but she persisted.
2. Ernest Hemingway’s Approach to Drafting
Ernest Hemingway once said, "The first draft of anything is garbage." This simple, honest perspective highlights the importance of allowing yourself to write freely and imperfectly, knowing that the magic happens during the editing process.
3. Stephen King’s Early Novels
Stephen King’s early drafts often required significant revisions. He credits his success to perseverance and the willingness to rewrite.
Final Thoughts
Perfectionism might feel like a badge of honor, but it’s often a barrier to creativity. By letting go of the need to be perfect, you open yourself up to endless possibilities. Writing badly isn’t failure—it’s progress. Each imperfect draft brings you closer to your best work.
So, the next time you sit down to write, remind yourself: Perfection is the enemy of creativity. Focus on getting your words on the page. You can always fix them later.
Happy writing, and see you next time for another Tony Tips Tuesday!
If you’re looking for an exciting read filled with action, inspiration, and compelling characters, check out my novels in the S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™: Angelo™ and Angeline™ Chronicles. Autographed copies are available at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.
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