Ten Ways to Stomp Out Writer Perfectionism

  

By DiAnn Mills

 

Writing perfectionists are seldom satisfied with their work. Problems often stop them from experiencing productive publication. They offer reasons for their inability to move forward from the way they are wired, education, life experiences, and a host of other explanations.

 

Could it be these writers are using excuses to step out of their human DNA? None of us are perfect writers so, friends, we need to get past it.

 

When we view writing not as an art but as the perfect story, the result can become a book without passion, emotion, or human frailty. The solution is to take a break and evaluate who we are and why we’ve allowed the demon called perfectionism to threaten our God-given gift.

 

Our self-worth is not tied up in a perfectionist/performance trap.

 

For the record, friends, neither is our self-worth wrapped up in book sales. Nor is it based on how many rewrites, edits, writers we mentor, conferences we attend or teach, social media numbers we accumulate—I think you get the picture. Our self-worth is based on our relationship with God and how we love others.

 

The key is to accept who we are, our strengths and limitations, and then move forward with an attitude of grace. To move forward improving our craft, not demanding perfection.

 

But it’s not easy. Here are 10 ways I’ve found to rid our perfectionism and choose acceptance.

 

1.      Accept I am human, and humans are imperfect creatures who must learn to forgive themselves and others. I’m not an exception, but a member of a beautiful collection of people. I do not have to be in control, and I can say no.

2.      Accept I am unique and not to be compared with any other person or writer on the planet. I am loved by God and myself. He has made me unique. I treasure the time spent with Him.

3.      Accept I can finish a project with definite steps and organization, but the project doesn’t define who I am. Everything will get done in due time, and we can plan for it. But if we fail, that’s okay. Through the process, we learn how to better ourselves.

4.      Accept I can receive constructive criticism and develop strength from my mistakes and failures, not dissolve into a puddle of self-imposed worthlessness.

5.      Accept I can take time for myself to enjoy life and those people special to me. I need time to rejuvenate. We all need to recharge. Get outside, view the majesty, and breathe in God’s creation.

6.      Accept I can walk away from rejection and still be valued and worthy of love.

7.      Accept I can laugh at myself and the world. Humor is a biblical and scientific salve for all ailments.

8.      Accept realistic goals and dreams.

9.      Accept I must take care of myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

10.  Accept the value of transparency. I can reach out to others when I’m down, need to brainstorm, or simply need to hear another’s voice.

 

Perfectionism—a nasty trait that holds too many of us captive. Break out of those chains and set yourself free!

 

How do you fight the tendency to be perfect?

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and cooldesign.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, won two Christy Awards, Golden Scroll Awards, and finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country. Connect here: diannmills.com