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Creative Suffocation: Fighting Perfectionism

Daily writing prompt
What are your biggest challenges?

While living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a physical and mental challenge, it’s my battle with perfectionism that’s been the most destructive. Recently, however, I’ve started to see a shift, largely thanks to the insights gained from the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

The Roots of Perfectionism

Perfectionism has been a part of my life since I was five. One simple comment on my Primary One report card sealed my fate.

Susan is a perfectionist.

perfectionist, perfectionism text

My mum was bursting with pride (a rarity), instilling a drive for perfection in everything I did. It didn’t matter if I’d never done something before. It had to be perfect. Initially, it felt like I was pursuing excellence. But over time (read: last week), I realised it was a form of ‘creative suffocation’, stifling my ability to share my work or express myself fully.

The Double-Edged Sword of Perfectionism

This never-ending pursuit of perfection stopped me from doing pretty much anything. It’s held back my novels from seeing the light of day, kept me from doing anything on social media, and kept my blog posts in perpetual draft status. The fear of not being good enough or interesting enough loomed larger than life, overshadowing my creative endeavours.

The Artist’s Way to The Rescue

My recent journey through The Artist’s Way has been instrumental in reshaping my view of perfectionism. It’s helped me realise that sharing my work, even if it’s just ‘good’, is a step towards growth and improvement. It’s about embracing the process rather than fixating on the elusive ideal of perfection.

Embracing Imperfection

Embracing imperfection is a new, terrifying, and ongoing thing for me, but it’s been transformative. In the short time I’ve been trying it, I’ve been able to post things I would have typically left in the drafts section on my blog and Instagram.

This new approach has opened the door to a more authentic and less stressful way of expressing myself. I’m constantly reminding myself that continuous improvement is more important than a perfection I can never achieve.

A Journey of Continuous Growth

Acknowledging that perfectionism has been suffocating me is just the beginning. It’s only been a week, but the benefits are already showing. I’m learning to appreciate the value of ‘good enough’ and the joy of sharing my work. It’s a journey of continuous growth and one I’m excited to be on.

Have you ever struggled with perfectionism? How do you overcome it? Share your experiences in the comments below – let’s support each other in our journeys towards creative freedom.

Stay Awesome,

Susan x

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About Me

Hi! I’m Scottish author Susan Tippett Braithwaite. I craft romantic suspense stories featuring Sex, Lies, Scots & Spies where danger and desire meet with explosive results.

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10 responses to “Creative Suffocation: Fighting Perfectionism

  1. Stefanie Neumann Avatar

    I commend you for the courage to give up on the illusion of perfect and dive right into the reality of imperfect, dear Susan. It’s a challenge, but as you are already noticing, it’s worthwhile.
    You are more than good enough. In fact, you are perfect with all the imperfections that make you the beautiful, wonderful and unique you that you are.

    The Artist’s Way was a big help in overcoming my perfectionism, too. Another one, I have to say, was my recent crises, as I simply had to give up on being perfect to get the simplest things done, at all. And, of course, it is a work in progress – especially concerning feelings of not being good enough.

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite Avatar

      Thank you, Steffi! Yer makin me tak a beemer! ? I got to week 6 before October and stopped. I ended up going all the way back to week 1. I’m on week 7 now, and can’t get over the changes in such a short space of time. I’m so happy that you found it to be such a great help in your own life and creativity!

  2. bushboy Avatar

    Yes I did/do. Not in the mood to talk about it though. Sorry

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite Avatar

      I understand, Brian. ?

  3. Chris Hall Avatar

    Chronic Pain is very bad and it needs to be managed – and I hope it’s getting easier.
    Being a perfectionist can be even more difficult but I can see that you are working on this.
    Well done, Susan!

    1. Susan T. Braithwaite Avatar

      Thanks, Chris! Yeah, the pain is only ever on a rising scale. Breathwork, meditation, and focusing on anything but the pain help dull its effect a wee bit.

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