Don't focus on perfection from "summary" of Writing with Power by Peter Elbow
Perfectionism can be a hindrance to the writing process. When we fixate too much on getting everything just right, we can stifle our creativity and end up with a blank page. Instead of aiming for perfection, it can be more helpful to focus on simply getting our ideas down on paper. By allowing ourselves to write freely without worrying about every little detail, we can tap into our natural flow of thoughts and ideas. Writing is a messy and imperfect process. It is rare for a writer to produce a flawless piece of work on the first try. In fact, most writers go through multiple drafts and revisions before they are satisfied with their final product. Embracing this imperfection can actually be liberating. It allows us to experiment, make mistakes, and ultimately grow as writers. Perfectionism can also be paralyzing. When we set impossibly high standards for ourselves, we may become overwhelmed and unable to even start writing. By letting go of the need to be perfect, we can free ourselves from this self-imposed pressure and allow our creativity to flow more easily. It is important to remember that writing is a process of discovery. We often do not know exactly what we want to say until we start writing. By allowing ourselves to write imperfectly, we give ourselves the space to explore our ideas and uncover new insights. This process of discovery can lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes in our writing.- The goal of writing is not to achieve perfection but to communicate our ideas effectively. By focusing on clarity, coherence, and engagement with our readers, we can create meaningful and impactful writing. Embracing imperfection allows us to approach our writing with a sense of openness and curiosity, leading to more authentic and compelling work.
