I sorta solved my perfectionism in music and art (by doing the opposite)

Yeah that’s right, f*ck you perfectionism. This is a short post on my battles with this beast (and how I’ve been overcoming it).

My perfectionism holds me back. It’s kept me from sharing, creating and pursuing my music and art to its fullest. I know, it’s bullshit. Almost sounds like an excuse.

But this thing creates a lot of hesitation, doubt and inaction. Maybe you can relate.

Of course, it’s not like my whole life is constantly consumed by it either. There are plenty of epic moments where I’m legit stoked about what I made. But I feel like this monster is also usually lurking around the corner, just waiting to jump in and ruin that feeling lol.

Anyways, I’ve found myself overcoming perfectionism lately…by doing the opposite.

That is, not just trying to embrace with the mind (after that fact), but actually lean into it with heart (before and during the whole artistic process). It’s been liberating.

And has made me more productive.

What perfectionism looks like

• Doubting your skills

• Questioning your work

• Constantly comparing yourself

• Feeling not good enough or never ready

• Over-obsessing on small details nobody will ever notice (aka, that EQ is fine)

Is it all bad?

Perfectionism isn’t good, but maybe it makes you stronger/more skilled.

If perfectionism leads to fear and inaction, it’s just all around bad (until you overcome it, then it’s a great lesson).

But if it leads to obsession over the details, technically that could make you a stronger more skilled creative.

But this lifestyle is not sustainable. And overcoming perfectionist habits is important.

Still, there is a potential silver lining (if you’re needing one).

Perfectionism can teach you a lot about yourself and make you stronger (both by overcoming it and from the obsession it can create).

Overcoming perfectionism—how I’m leaning into it with heart

I can’t solve my problems from the same level of consciousness that created them. Put another way, trying to overcome perfectionism from the same state of mind and emotion that creates it is fruitless.

So instead, I focus on rising above it by leaning into my intuition. I listen to my heart when creating. I have fun and embrace the mess.

I almost try to be imperfect, unpolished and raw. It’s almost punk.

And it’s working.

Here’s a quick litmus test for using this approach:

1. Check in with your mood

2. Are you having fun? Does the art feel good? Is there flow?

3. Embrace the spontaneity and delete your schedules

4. Stop creating for algorithms or your audience or who you think you should be

5. Get messy, splatter paint, choose weird sounds…add some intuition and play…that’s heart

I’m less worried about getting the perfect mix or having the perfect realistic drawing that looks exactly like the reference photo. Instead, I’m blending abstract elements and letting the mess in.

It feels authentic in a way. And ironically, the projects are starting to look better that ever (more “perfect”…and representing me more fully).

So all I can say is lead with your heart and intuition and embrace the chaos. Chase imperfection and play for a change. Have fun and screw the rules.

Because honestly, f*ck you, perfectionism.

Later ✌️

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