SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

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.

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