How to Let Go of Your Perfectionism (And Why You Should)

Being a perfectionist might sound like a positive thing at first – after all, why would you settle for only less than perfect?

However, it turns out that that very mindset might just be what’s holding you back from even trying again or giving it your all. In fact, it can just as easily be a real problem that keeps you from sharing your less-than-perfect work to people.

If you happen to be stuck on this mindset (and can’t seem to make anything), then now is the perfect time to let go – and here’s how you do it:

Accept that all great things start out less-than-perfect.

The first attempt at anything is never usually good, and the myth that masterpieces can come out at a snap is just a myth.

Most of the time, perfectionism stems from a deep-seated fear of failure. But the good news is that you can overcome this fear.

Instead of thinking of the first try as less than what you wanted, you can change the way you think. Once something is out there, instead of simply existing in your head, it becomes much easier to improve with time and effort.

Don’t be scared of feedback.

All great ideas have to come from somewhere, and are usually put into the open where people can give their feedback and criticisms.

And because something can take so much time and effort to do or create, it’s understandable why it can be difficult to show off for the world to see. However, when it comes to criticism, you don’t always have to take everything to heart.

In fact, once you realize that the worst thing someone can do to your work is criticize it, you’ll realize that criticism and feedback is a great way to improve.

Put in the time and the effort in whatever you do.

People don’t usually see the multiple failed attempts it took to get to that one successful attempt, but it’s clear that the best works that stand the test of time are those that have a lot of time and effort put into them.

Focus on improving the work and getting the skills you need to do so, and everything else will follow on their own.

If something doesn’t work the first time, or even after several times, it helps a lot to take a step back and find out why. You might want to take a short break to give yourself some distance or to recover, but whatever you do, it’s important to keep going at it.

At the end of the day, it’s all how you approach the tasks and the mindset you approach them with. Embrace constant improvement instead of the need to be absolutely perfect. When you’re more accepting of failure, it’s only then that the results will really start to show.

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