Perfection
And the creative quest for it…
Creative ideas are the driving force behind a successful business; that’s a given. And yet, creating innovative, creative solutions that make an impact or stand out from the noise isn’t always easy. Often, it involves pushing for a new level of dedication to the craft.
Striving to create something that not only meets expectations but far exceeds them. While this is easier said than done when you’re working under tight deadlines and within tight budgets, understanding why creatives push for excellence can help equip leaders with insight into how best to support their teams’ creativity.
Perfectionism – how it can drive creativity or become a hindrance
Perfectionism is a trait that can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can fuel creativity and lead to remarkable accomplishments, it can also trap people in a cycle of self-criticism and prevent them from moving forward. Nothing is ever good enough for those driven by perfectionism, and the quest for flawlessness can become all-consuming. However, it's important to recognise that perfectionism doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. By learning to harness its strengths and acknowledge its limitations, individuals can cultivate a healthy relationship with this powerful force and create something exceptional while avoiding the pitfalls that can come with it.
why creatives strive for perfection and why they might be hesitant to show imperfect work
Creatives are often known for pursuing perfection in their work, whether it be writing, painting, or designing. This drive comes from a desire to produce the best work possible and showcase their skills. However, this pursuit of perfection can also lead to hesitation in showing work that may be deemed imperfect. Creatives worry that imperfections may diminish the value or impact of their work and fear the scrutiny that may come from sharing it. It can be a difficult balance to strike, but ultimately, their dedication to perfection can lead to truly stunning pieces of art that inspire and move us.
How perfectionism can help you push boundaries and innovate
There is no denying that perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can drive you to excel, pushing you to constantly refine and improve your work. On the other hand, it can be paralyzing, causing you to become overwhelmed with self-doubt and fear of failure. However, when harnessed correctly, perfectionism can be a powerful tool for innovation. By relentlessly pursuing excellence, you can cultivate a mindset that is always questioning the status quo and looking for ways to push boundaries. This drive to innovate can lead to breakthroughs and new discoveries that could never have been achieved without that intense perfectionistic drive. So, if you are a perfectionist struggling to balance your desire for excellence with the need to take risks and try new things, remember that your perfectionism may be just the thing that helps you make your mark on the world.
How to manage expectations when creating something new
Starting a new project can be an exhilarating process, but it can also become overwhelming if we don't manage our expectations. With excitement and anticipation, we often set high goals and expectations for ourselves, which can lead to stress and disappointment if not managed properly. But fear not; there are a few key tips to help us easily navigate this process. First, we must learn to break down our goals into manageable smaller tasks. By doing this, we can maintain momentum and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Second, we must be realistic in our expectations, understanding that setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Finally, we must remember to celebrate our successes along the way, no matter how small they seem.
There is beauty in imperfections, use them as an advantage
In a world that is constantly striving for perfection, it can be difficult to embrace our flaws. However, it is important to recognise that imperfection makes us unique. When we understand that there is beauty in imperfections, we can use them to our advantage. For instance, if you struggle with public speaking, you can use this as an opportunity to connect with your audience personally by sharing your own experiences and vulnerabilities. By highlighting your imperfections, you show that you are authentic and relatable, making it easier for others to connect with you.
A cautionary tale: How perfectionism can lead to burnout
Perfectionism is often viewed as a virtuous trait, but it can also lead to a dangerous path of burnout. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that burnout rates are notably high in the creative and artistic industries.
While not all burnout cases are directly linked to perfectionism, it is a recognised contributing factor. The pressure to constantly strive for flawlessness can be exhausting and overwhelming. It's easy to get caught up in a cycle of self-doubt and criticism, where nothing is ever quite good enough. This mindset can lead to a loss of enjoyment and a distorted sense of accomplishment. Instead of taking pride in your achievements, there's always a nagging feeling that you could have done more. Ultimately, perfectionism can rob your energy, creativity, and mental well-being. Finding a healthy balance between striving for excellence and acknowledging that perfection is unattainable is important.