Writers aren’t supposed to be perfect. It kills the process
The perfect work doesn’t exist especially when it concerns writing, creation, and art.
Meaning is derived more from our imperfection in writing than it is ever derived from our perfectionist desire in trying to portray the idea or message we have
People resonate more with something pure and human and not too polished. We want to feel like we are interacting with somebody like us when we are reading something.
The desire to create a perfect work is stopping a lot of writers from reaching this state of vulnerability and therefore making their writings vague and inhuman.
Humans are not perfect and emotions are unstable that is what our writing should look like most times but done properly.
Another reason writers desire to be perfectionists is the fear of judgment. Writers fear being judged for their work and think the only way out of that place is to hoard their creation till it comes out perfect.
That fear keeps them from making unnecessary changes to their writing, therefore, removing the life and meaning from it.
We as writers resort to this approach because of the unrealistic standards and expectations we have set for ourselves concerning our craft. We no longer see writing as a way to explore our minds and come out with things hidden deep beneath us.
We begin to see writing as a way to prove ourselves and show the world we are deserving to be a writer. We have to paint the perfect narrative, use the perfect characters and perfect dialogue, write the perfect ideas, and come out on top looking perfect.
Such an approach removes us from growth and kills our career before it becomes something meaningful. By following that approach we are no longer open-minded with our creation and writing. Our writing begins to lack the human effect it was supposed to have.
The way out of this is to realize that first, we live in a world that isn’t perfect, and being imperfect makes people understand you more. They recognize themselves in your stories and the ideas you try to relay in your writing.
You should always ask yourself what is the end goal of writing. To be seen as perfect or to have people resonate with the things you publish more.
Secondly, learn to be less judgemental with your skills and yourself. Publish more and get more feedback. The judgment and feedback you get from publishing your work are gems to your writing career.
They help you know what is working and what is not working and how you can apply that knowledge to your next project or writing. Embrace the feedbacks
Thirdly, seek out ideas from other writers on how they address this issue of perfectionism and imposter syndrome with their writing. Remember, as writers we all do have our doubts and go at it differently. Professional counsel can go a long way
So here you have it. Don’t kill your writing career by trying to be too perfect. Perfectionism is not a thing and you should hang onto it or let it define you
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