By: Julia Fain; Photos by Brooke Dennis and Justin Hackworth for Alt Summit
As creatives we have so much going on each day: multitasking, planning business strategy, collecting inspiration for future content. And at times it can feel overwhelming when we want to reflect our very best.
According to filmaker Hayao Miyazaki, creativity comes from perseverance: “unless I start working on a new one, I’ll never be free from the curse of the last one.” Creative perfectionism is not all bad. It can challenge us to perform at our best. but it must be harnessed for good.
In short: our own perfectionism can limit our future success when we don’t find ways to manage it.
5 strategies for managing creative perfectionism
1. Give yourself a deadline. If that deadline feels overwhelming break it down into smaller chunks. You could even ask a friend to text you for accountability.
2. Put your hardest into it, find a way to mark it done, and begin on the next project. Completion provides a feeling of success.
3. Clear your head. Stress does not generally encourage creative ideas. Head to a coffee shop, drive a new way home from work, or take a jog. Come back to the project when you feel more settled.
4. Join a group that encourages creativity. Last week we discussed the value of a tribe or mastermind group. They can help you overcome creative roadblocks!
5. Set routines for your day that encourage productive success. Consider turning off your social media and email while mid-project.
