Strive for progress, not perfection, in creative projects from "summary" of The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
The pursuit of perfection can be a noble goal, but it can also be a paralyzing one. When we become fixated on achieving perfection in our creative projects, we can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task. In our quest for perfection, we may find ourselves endlessly tweaking and refining our work, never quite satisfied with the result. This endless cycle of revision can prevent us from making meaningful progress and can ultimately stifle our creativity.
Instead of striving for perfection, we should focus on making progress. Progress is about moving forward, taking steps toward a goal, no matter how small those steps may be. By focusing on progress, we can break free from the trap of perfectionism and allow ourselves to keep moving forward, even if our work is not flawless.
Progress is not about settling for mediocrity or accepting subpar work. It is about recognizing that perfection is an unattainable goal and that there will always be room for improvement. By embracing the idea of progress, we can give ourselves permission to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from our failures. This willingness to experiment and iterate is essential for fostering creativity and innovation.
When we prioritize progress over perfection, we can free ourselves from the fear of failure and the pressure to constantly produce flawless work. We can give ourselves the space to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and push beyond our comfort zones. This willingness to embrace imperfection can lead to breakthroughs and discoveries that we never would have made if we had been fixated on achieving perfection.
In the words of Salvador Dali, "Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, we should focus on making progress, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to our goals. By embracing progress over perfection in our creative projects, we can unleash our full potential and create work that is truly extraordinary.
