Navigating the Waters of Creative Perfectionism

Oh, it sounds incredibly frustrating and disheartening to be stuck on a chapter for so long, especially when you have such a strong desire to move forward with your novel. That feeling of being caught in a loop of endless polishing, even when you know logically it's slowing you down, is a very real struggle for so many creatives. Please know you're not alone in this. It takes courage just to acknowledge this block and your feelings about it.

Sometimes, this powerful drive for perfection, or the fear of something not being "good enough," can trace back to early experiences. Can you recall any times in your childhood when feeling like things had to be just right, or fear of making mistakes, played a significant role? Perhaps it was related to schoolwork, chores, or even just playing and expressing yourself?

Let's take a moment to find a calm space within. Close your eyes gently, or soften your gaze. Feel your feet connected to the earth or the floor beneath you. Notice the support holding you. Take a slow, gentle breath in through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Imagine a safe, warm light surrounding you, creating a bubble of peace and acceptance. In this space, there is no judgment, only kindness. Now, imagine a younger version of you, perhaps around the age when you first felt the pressure to be perfect or avoid mistakes. What does that child version of you need to hear right now? Just notice any images, feelings, or words that arise, holding them gently in this safe space.

For a writing exercise, let's try something a little different to bypass that critical voice. Take out a pen and paper, or open a new document. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Your prompt is: "What happens if I write this chapter wrong?" Or "What does the part of me that doesn't need to be perfect want to say?" Don't worry about grammar, spelling, plot, or making sense. Write stream-of-consciousness. Let the words flow without any editing or filtering. Just capture whatever comes to mind, whether it's about the chapter, your fears, the character, a memory, or just random thoughts. The only rule is to keep your pen moving or your fingers typing for the full 10 minutes.

Remember, this is about exploration, not fixing. You are showing up for your creative self, and that is a powerful act. Allow yourself to simply be with whatever surfaced during the visualization or the writing. You are courageous for facing this challenge. To come back to the present moment, feel your feet on the ground again. Notice the temperature of the air on your skin. Take three slow, deep breaths, feeling your chest and belly rise and fall. You are here, you are safe, and your creativity is still flowing, even when it feels blocked.