Let’s face it, writing is hard work. Sometimes, it feels like a battle to pen a single word onto the page. Writers face so many creative monsters in order to produce: self-doubt, criticism, rejection, procrastination, jealousy, and over-preparation. However, there’s one characteristic even more dangerous than all of the above since it’s so widespread and recognized. I’m talking about the #1 habit killing your writing.
Perfectionism.
Perfectionism is the devil because it’s a socially acceptable form of self-abuse. We applaud those who work 70-hour work weeks and win endless strings of awards and accolades, but who are divas to the extreme.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (affiliate link)
Julia Cameron of the famed Artist’s Way says,
Instead of enjoying the process, the perfectionist is constantly grading the results.
What Perfectionism Looks Like in Real Life
Years ago, I attended the Austin Film Festival and entered a “pitch contest.” Crazy people Participants stood alone on a stage in front of hundreds of others and presented a three-minute synopsis of their films to a panel of judges. These industry professionals then critiqued each pitch.
My first time there, I beat all the competition on Day One and made it to the finals. I would be presenting in front of the entire conference.
I was a rock star!
Two days later, I was the first pitch at the finals–which is the kiss of death, since the judges have no comparisons for your work. I received a decent score, but didn’t win. I wasn’t even runner-up.
I was a loser!
I went from feeling like a million bucks to less than zero. I returned home devastated, hating myself because I’d lost, despite the fact I had made it to the finals on my very first try. You would’ve thought I was an axe murderer, I despised myself so much. The self-loathing lasted for months.
Helllllo, perfectionist.
What Perfectionism Is and Isn’t
I want to be clear: there are distinct differences between striving for excellence and perfectionism. Let’s explore these a little closer.
Striving for Excellence
- Reasonable expectations (understanding that writing is a process and you’ll grow over time–if you keep working at your craft).
- Satisfaction with less-than perfect writing in the first several drafts of your work.
- Ability to bounce back from disappointments or failure.
Perfectionism
- All-or-nothing thinking (either you’re a New York Times bestselling author, or you suck).
- Obsessive behavior (spending two hours reworking one sentence until it’s flawless–or throwing out your entire manuscript and starting over).
- Belief that mistakes or setbacks indicate your unworthiness.
Summary
Striving for excellence feels great because you’re trying your very best. Perfectionism feels miserable because you’re never quite good enough.
Rip Off the Mask of Perfectionism
When you expose this nasty culprit for what it really is, you’ll find:
Fear.
Yep, good old-fashioned fear.
Fear your writing isn’t good enough.
Fear that if even one person criticizes your work you’re doomed as writer.
Fear you’re not smart enough … talented enough … disciplined enough to create whatever story is tugging at your heart.
3 Ways to Overcome Your Perfectionism
I’ve completed four novels and had literary representation for two of those books. I’ve been paid for more magazine articles than I can count and am an award-winning copywriter/short-story author. I’ve been writing years and learned most lessons the hard way.
I’d like to spare you that pain and help you learn from my mistakes. So here are three tips to overcome perfectionism:
1. Write Sucky First Drafts
First drafts are meant to bad. Super bad. Give yourself permission to write the most awful, terrible, horrible junk ever. It takes the pressure off. You’re going to need to edit the entire manuscript at least three times before expecting anything polished or pretty. After that, find beta readers to critique your work–folks who are strong editors, if not paid professionals.
2. Write Faster than Your Fear
Silence your internal critic by working quicker than your perfectionism. Don’t edit or censure as you go along, just get the words onto the page. You can polish it later. Turn your brain off and your hands on.
3. Let It Go
Nobody’s writing is ever done, but at some point you have to call it good and stop. I know I’ve reached that point when I’m just moving commas. I’ll read through the entire piece and make grammar changes, then read it again and move everything back. That’s when it’s time to let it go.
Use these three tips to eliminate this habit killing your writing and learn how to have fun and write better stories–all at the same time!
Tell me your opinion: If you struggle with perfectionism, how do you handle it? If not, what is the #1 habit killing your writing?
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About Marcy McKay | @MudpieWriting
Love that graphics that you selected for my post, K.M.! Thank you!
What encouraging suggestions for how to put the perfection drive in its proper place … like “outta here.” I’m drawn in ’cause I’m very much plagued by the perfection/fear beasties. You give me HOPE! Thank you. Encore!
I like your thinking Anthony. “Hey, Perfectionism — outta here.”
I love that this post gave you hope, and appreciate you taking the time to say so. Thank you and best of luck with your writing!
When writing my first draft, I often find myself going back and making changes before the ink is even dry. My fear is that if I don’t, I will forget the change and will end up with a substandard piece of writing.
There’s nothing wrong with your process, and odds are you will NOT forget the changes that need to make to your work. However, the damage comes how it makes you feel. If you feel like you’re a complete LOSER if you don’t go back and make those changes, then THAT is perfection and THAT type thinking is hurting your process.
It’s a subtle, but significant different. 🙂
The principle at the heart of this post is extremely important, and I think what it comes down to is being great *now* versus being great *later*. So few things in this world turn out brilliantly the first time, but if you’re confident that eventually, after revision and after quite a lot of work, your writing *will* be good, then you’re okay. Then you’re not letting perfectionism haunt you.
But I don’t think moving quickly through that first draft is the necessary solution to the problem. It *can* be a solution, for sure, but that depends on the particular writer and their particular writer-brain. For my part, I always edit as I go. I have to. I’m an editor. I’ve spent two hours staring at the computer screen trying to craft effectively a single scene, or a single moment in that scene, and it was time well-spent because, had I given up after an hour and a half, I wouldn’t have figured it out.
Some writers work that way. Others do indeed need to barrel through that first draft to avoid getting lost in the fear and misery of imperfection. Others still skip back and forth between scenes, writing whatever is clearest in their head at any given time. As long as they know that their approach is not grounded in fear, then whatever works works.
I agree with Harrison. Each writer needs to find what works for them. I need to work through scenes, paragraphs, and sometimes, one sentence or word until I capture exactly what I’m after. Other times, I’ve glossed over a particular section knowing I’ll return to it for editing later. Still, I can see valuable content in this post that I will apply to my own writing efforts to ensure my perfectionism stays in check.
I agree with Harrison, too, HL. Thank you for throwing in your two cents.
Thank you for your excellent points, Harrison. I agree with everything you said.
My post is directed to people who fall in the boundaries of your first paragraph. So many writers email me every day to say they’re NEVER satisfied with their writing. Many become so frozen with perfection while they TRY to edit as they go that they quit. Or, they so unhappy with the final product that they throw it all and to begin the torture all over again.
I like your stressing the LATER versus NOW. Great insights.
I realize by the questions that I definitely qualify as a perfectionist, and actually I don’t know quite how to deal with that. I’ve tried to shut off the inner editor by writing fast, allow myself to write “badly” and without going back to see what I wrote, but then another problem kicks in: self doubt. And in the end it’s a combination of both that makes me unable to finish whatever I start writing. Still haven’t found a solution.
Welcome to the Perfectionist’s Club, Katrina!
You know it’s not bad or wrong that you edit immediately after you write. For many, that’s their process.
However, maybe write a full page, or an entire scene before you go back to edit. Then, it’s up to you to decide how long to keep rewriting before you move on to the next part of the story.
I just know too many writers who never move beyond Chapter 1 because they keep trying to get it PERFECT.
For me, I edit as I go along, but I don’t truly understand my novel until I’ve typed THE END almost 400 pages later.
Do what works best for you, but be on the look out for perfectionism + self-doubt. Those are both characteristics of fear an it’s just trying to stop you.
Don’t let it.
As the goal with The Representative was to be just strictly “truthful”, the concept of perfectionism took on a vastly subjective denotation.
A sentence may look like it could do with a revision, but as long as when looking at it, I know it’s telling emotional truth, there isn’t then any required.
Well said, Thomas. Thank you so much.
You deserved a reply.
Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Marcy!
My pleasure, K.M. I appreciate your generosity.
I was raised by a perfectionist to be a perfectionist. This “fatal flaw” is what kept me from enduring through rejection the first two times I attempted to become a published author.
And still the fear plagues me. Fear that I have walked away from a paying job to pursue a dream that will never pan out. Because as much as I love to write, my style is substandard and I haven’t found my voice and no one wants to read me. (Sounds exactly like the evil voice of perfectionism, right?)
For me, the only way through a first draft is FAST, but I know plenty of writers who perfect each chapter before moving on. Half those words might get cut in the next revision for me, so I don’t spit and polish until my third round.
BINGO, Sharon. You dear soul, are exactly the type of reader I hear from on a regular basis. I was writing this post for YOU.
I’m glad you saw that your perfectionism was hurting you. However, please don’t give up on your dream to be a published author, or to keep writing until you’re the type of author that’s widely read.
Maybe you need to go back to work full-time, or part-time, to take the financial pressure off, but KEEP WRITING.
If someone wants to become a doctor, he knows that he’s in for: four years of undergrad, four more years of medical school, then however many more for his residency.
That’s at least a DECADE dedicated to greatness!
However, for writers, we think should be fabulous from the beginning, or a few months or years into it.
Writing is hard work, and I hope you’ll continue to let go of your perfectionism, so that you can be the writer you were meant to be. 🙂
Marcy-
I’m not planning to give up on the writing dream this time. I’m in it until I succeed – or it kills me. Fighting perfectionism is a constant battle, though.
I have begun looking at a part-time job but I don’t want to give myself any excuses why writing isn’t my first priority, if you know what I mean.
Everything you says makes complete sense, Sharon. Best of luck to you both in your writing, as well as waging war on your perfectionism!
I am currently stuck in a quagmire of perfectionism and self-doubt with writing. This post was a real eye opener. Thank you!
What an AWESOME, yet PAINFUL word: quagmire. For many writers, Terrye, we are our own worst enemies. Write however works best: fast first drafts, editing as you go along, etc.
Perfectionism is a state of mind — no matter what your process is, somehow it’s never quite right.
I hope this post helps you, and am available if you’d like to chat more.
I must remember this. I must remember this. I must remember this. 😉
Me, too. Me, too. Me, too.
Thanks for making me laugh, Steve. 🙂
Instead of perfection, how about excellence? This is to do something to the best of your ability in that moment and then to be fine with it.
Be in the moment.
To be a perfectionist is to second guess how you were being in a previous moment.
To be in excellence is to do your very best right now. No judgement, simply your very best effort. 🙂
Bravo, Chris. It’s funny that you mention “be in the moment.” I’m working on this very thing in ALL areas of my life: slowing down and being truly present in what I’m doing — whether it’ writing, washing dishes, or talking to a friend.
You have incredible insights. Thanks for sharing them.
Nothing holds me back like the fear and certainty that what I’m writing falls short of what I’m aiming for. That even if I raise my game that it still won’t be good enough. Someone else has said it better. No one will enjoy it.
Perfectionism is a beautiful temptress. If I aspire to her ideals, then I’ll never have to face that fear.
I applaud anyone who can stand on a stage, pitch their story, and face failure. That’s a courage I aspire to. Great article and great advice as always, Marcy.
WOW, Stephen. I’ve got news for you, amigo.
U. R. A. WRITER.
You summed up my post beautifully, and conveyed what so many are feeling. You definitely keep writing because your words have both honesty and courage.
My inner perfectionist comes roaring out at the galleys stage of each book. It’s at this point, I’m asking myself “Who wrote this crap?” I have to put her on the back burner and know that the next one will be better, because I’ll know better
Thanks for you your honesty, and making me smile, Sarah. I thought, “WHO WROTE THIS CRAP?” was my line, alone.
This is why I love blogs like K.M. Writing is such a lonely, solitary process, but we learn so much from each other. I appreciate you sharing.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I spend a lot more time agonizing over word choice and imperfections than I do actual writing! This helped ALOT, muchos gracias!!!
De nada! Try to cut yourself some slack since you are aware that your perfectionism is hurting, rather than helping your writing. It’s a shift in attitude, but with practice, it will become easier.
Hi Marcy!
Another great post! Perfectionism has been my battleground for years … and years … and years. So I got on the NaNoWriMo wave. It’s like giving yourself permission to write that sh*tty first draft. You can’t dilly-dally — you have to get the words down and meet your quota. It has forced me to let go, write faster than my fear, and meet a deadline daily.
An interesting affliction struck me last night, however, and I think it’s in the same family as perfectionism. I decided to call it “SFDS” (Sh*tty First Draft Syndrome), and wrote today on my blog about how I’m working to defeat it.
Remembering why we write is a big part of it. If we focus on how our work will serve others, appreciate how blessed we are that we can do that, stay present and focus on the work itself, then we’re well on our way to shaking off SFDS. 🙂
Thanks again for sharing your expertise!
This sums it all up, T.O.: Remembering why we write is a big part of it. If we focus on how our work will serve others, appreciate how blessed we are that we can do that, stay present and focus on the work itself, then we’re well on our way to shaking off SFDS (sh***y first draft syndrome).
I can’t anymore to that. Thank you for reminding us all what our writing (should) be all about.
This was a great article as I just had a critique from my writer’s group that was brutal. I now have reservations about my ability to convey the story and develop a character that emotes her feelings through my writing. This piece of work has been nearly three years in the works, and I’m still struggling to complete it. Maybe the suggestion to just finish the work, edit and then submit to my writer friends. They are brilliant writers and able to help me learn the ropes, but every week it seems I’m struck down by their not so subtle criticisms. I have hope from your article that I can stick to writing and not lose hope as it takes time for anything of worth to be pursued.
I’m with you, Kathy. I’ve completed four novels and each took me years to complete. I’m also in a weekly critique group whom I adore. I don’t always like what they have to say, and have even gone home to cry, but I don’t feel wounded like your group may be doing to you.
Even if they’re brilliant writers, then may be doing YOU more harm than good. Be very careful and guard your literary heart. Your overall problem may not be perfectionism, but sabotage (well meaning, or not) from others. That can cause you to doubt every word you write. Take care.
Kathy, you reminded me of something that happened just last week. At my own writer’s group, a friend recently completed the first draft of a manuscript she’d been working on for *seven years*. I read through it to give her feedback . . . and it had problems. Nothing she’s not capable of handling, mind you, but the sort of substantial problems you see in first drafts.
A part of me dreaded providing her feedback. I was there the moment she finished the draft. I saw the look on her face. I didn’t want to take that away. But feedback is how we grow. Two weeks ago, my same writer’s group did a read of my screenplay, and I got my share of criticism too. I needed it. And my friend, to her credit, took my critique of her work last week as inspiration.
Now she has a new mission: creating a great second draft.
You have a mission too: finishing the story. And there will be work after that. But every writer in the world struggles through the first draft. It’s the only way to get to the second. You’ll get there.
THAAAAAAAAAAAAAANK YOU!
Constantly battling against myself. This certainly helps.
Sincerely,
Perfectionist
Dear Perfectionist,
You’re welcome. Thanks you for taking time to say my post helped you. It really makes a difference.
Sincerely,
Marcy McKay
Great post as always Marcy. 🙂 Yes I’ve experienced perfectionism but am now trying to overcome Mr. Doubt and Fear by writing everyday. This is a habit that is yet unformed but I will not stop till it comes naturally. Thanks again for the post Marcy 🙂 Right on the dot.
Miriam N
Hello, there, Miriam. Good for you and your commit to write everyday. I’ve done that for years now, and I still struggle to face the page, though I do feel “off” until I’ve written…like I forgot to brush my teeth, or something.
Writing = a habit.
Happy Writing!
This post made me think about perfectionism as fear. Thank you. I tell myself I’m just impatient with my shortcomings, but a writer really must face their fears. “Write faster than your fear.” Brilliant!
Hi Joe,
You’re so right on two accounts. 1) Perfectionism is always masked as fear, and fear has just one job: to stop you from writing. 2) The only way to make that fear (perfectionism) go away is to write through it first. You cannot muster up the courage, THEN write. You just write.
Clever guy you are, Joe.
It’s really hard to shut up my inner perfectionist. One of my weapons is to write really fast without stopping to fix typos and things like that. It usually works. I’ve been trying to get my unreasonable fear in check for years, and I’m finally managing to not let it rule my life. Thank you for the tips, it’s always good to re-read some things :}
You’ve got it, Giana. I also try to write faster than my fear. Some days, that’s easier than others. Stay on your quest to keep your inner perfectionist at bay! Writing should inspire us, not make us feel worse about ourselves.
I think it helped me when I took writing classes during my undergrad (I was an older student) which included workshopping. The ability to handle constructive feedback grew over the course of those years and now I am able to take criticism of work, revise and see how it has improved with the implementation of another’s advice. The other day my students were writing a creative piece, and they kept calling me over to read through and comment on work, every paragraph or so. I finally had to tell one student to allow the work to come through, get it down on paper, and then revise. I saw myself in this student, wishing to just be ok, to be good enough.
That’s a powerful story you shared about your students, Julie. Is THIS paragraph okay? Am I GOOD ENOUGH?
I’m glad you understand my intent. I’m NOT saying writing 400-full pages without revising; I’m saying giving yourself the grace and space to get the words on the page and still have questions about it, but trusting that they will come to remedy our stories.
Best of luck to you.
Oops, Laura. My apologies that I called you Julie. Don’t you know how my perfectionist is kicking me for THAT mistake. 🙂
Every perfectionist I know (and I’ve known a few) battles tremendous insecurity. Accepting that no writing project will ever be “perfect” is essential. Even books by revered authors on best seller lists have mistakes and gaps. That said, letting go and accepting the imperfection of our work is hard. Really hard! We put our stories out there to be judged at every level, and that makes us vulnerable. I read, proofread, and edit everything, from this post to emails to novel manuscripts. I know nothing I write will ever be 100 percent perfect.
Marcy, thanks for the reminder that the pursuit of perfection is paralyzing. I’m going to download your e-book, friend you on FB, and follow you on twitter!
Hi Julie – You said just said a very important reminder for us all, “perfection is paralyzing.”
YES! Strive to for your very best on and off the page, but don’t let perfection shut you down. Thanks for your wonderful insights.
This is definitely me. I’ve literally spent years learning about writing, but doing very little actual writing. Each time I start, I constantly second guess myself and end up convincing myself that no one would want to read this. Then, I quit and decide to try later.
The only good to come from this, however, is that each time I start a new project, my writing gets better each time. But, since I only started learning about writing when I was in my mid to late thirties and I’m now in my mid forties, I feel I don’t have time to screw around any more. I’m determined more than ever to get a first draft completed.
Now, if I could just figure out a good plot.
Hi Kelly,
You’ve seen how your writing has grown and improved each time you started a new project. I’m so glad you’re not screwing around anymore because think how much better you’ll continue get now that you’re not stopping and starting anymore?!
Please don’t let perfectionism shut you down on your plot. I have a friend who has traditionally published 25 novels and says she doesn’t truly understand them until she’s written the entire.
Trust yourself enough to believe that you’re writing is good enough and the right plot will reveal itself as you write. You got this.
and that is why I suck with Nanowrimo. As hard as I try, I just can’t seem to turn my internal editor off. I’ve written a novel and it’s been professionally edited. Before it was edited professionally, I entered it in an unpublished MS competition. It was shortlisted and then one of six finalists. I didn’t win-which didn’t really worry me. My unedited MS was a finalist. That has to say something.
My editor says, “It’s ready, send it to the publisher.” I read it and can still see inconsistencies. Perfectionism in writing is a curse 🙁
Hi Lyn,
I appreciate your honesty. You’re so right, your unedited manuscript was a finalist. That means YOU’VE GOT TALENT!
In questions like, “Is it ready for the publisher?” I journal about the upside and the downside of the situation, like:
The upside of not sending it to my publisher means you don’t get rejected. You don’t get your heart broken.
The downside is you don’t share your story with the world, which really is your dream.
The upside of sending it to the publisher is that they accept and your published career begins.
The downside is you may face rejection, which will trigger your perfection button big-time.
Now, you have a choice to make. What’s it going to be?
I really appreciate your insights and want to add: perfectionism in LIFE is a curse.
I love this article! I feel that it can be applied to so much more than just writing as well.
I am newer to continuous writing having started fervently back in November 2013. I started with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month to write 50,000 words in 30 days) and while I didn’t finish that project (and I will come back to it), I have a new one I’ve been working on since May.
I find that it’s easier to put away my perfectionism by participating in the wonderful community of NaNoWriMo which helps you put your inner editor in a closet with the door shut and it has gotten me further than I’ve ever been in a novel… I’m about a 4th of the way done with my novel and about to hit 40,000 words.
Also having writing buddies is wonderful to help keep you motivated to keep chugging along.
Reading this, it really puts things into perspective. Thank you!
Correct, Rebecca! Perfectionism can affect every area of our lives. That’s wonderful how you’ve found NaNoWriMo to be so encouraging. Try and take those lessons away to keep your inner editor at bay.
Best of luck to you in finishing your novel!
Marcyyyyyyyyyyy
I am trying to work on my all-or-nothing thinking. I need to start increasing the pace of my first drafts – the editor in me gets physically hurt if I let a ‘misspelling’ or ‘pbvious grammar breach’, but maybe it should just shut up until I am done throwing my thoughts on the screen, eh? #HUGSS
Thankssss a lott
LOVE Youuuuu
Kitto
Hi Kitto,
You nailed it, girl. Perfectionism is an all-or-nothing way of thinking. Either, we’re GREAT, or we SUCK. I am my own worst enemy.
I’m definitely working on this, and am glad you are, too.
Love you back, Kitto
Ooh I am SO glad I read this tonight!! I’m wrapping up my first semester of college–English ed major, creative writing minor, life-time word nerd, and, apparently, perfectionist. I’ve been beating myself up the last week or two–Got rejected from a peer tutoring position I was fortunate to even be offered as a freshman? Failure. 7th graders wouldn’t listen to me? Failure as a teacher. Can’t get my first draft of anything off the ground? Questioning every piece of writing I’ve ever done.
Yuck.
No more perfectionism. No more pride.
Thanks for posting!!
I’m so GLAD we connected, Emily! You already knew your true self going into college – English major and creative-writing minor. Please do not let a few setbacks make your throw away your dreams.
There’s nothing wrong with you. You do not suck as a writer. You’re just learning and growing in the craft, like we all are.
Leave your perfectionism behind and I hope you have a better spring semester!
Thanks for responding Marcy! That was a pessimistic picture of my first semester–which has actually been awesome! Blessed with lots of exciting opportunities and learning and growth. I appreciate your encouragement!
Wonderful, Emily. I’m so glad it was a great semester. Keep your perfectionism at bay, so you can continue to learn and grow in ALL areas of your life. That’s true for all of us! 🙂
I never actually realised that putting myself down the way I did was perfectionism. It’s been affecting my creative writing, but also my writing as student all this time. Thanks Marcy!
Oh yeah, Remy. That’s definitely perfectionism. Now that you’ve realized it, try to do it less. Not only will your writing improve, but your happiness, overall. Good luck!
I don’t struggle with perfectionism, my first drafts are always terrible and I’m okay with it. What kills my writing habits is the frustration of creating a web of lies and scandals that become so muddled, it’s tough to keep track of everything. Then balancing strong multi-dimensional characters with an intriguing plot that follows a standard story structure can feel like there’s just too many factors to consider for one story. Then dealing with the editors: it seems as if every editor has their own idea of what proper structure is. I get so wrapped up in all the technicalities that I forget that it’s really about the passion and love for writing and being creative in the first place. I take a break for a week or two and just read and watch movies and television series and re-inspire my love of storytelling.
Hi L.K.,
That’s great you seem to have a system that works for you (even though you get frustrated from time to time). Writing is a confusing and messy process. We all just have to keep at it. Good luck!
Thank you for posting this! I can always use a reminder that good writing takes time to craft.
Whenever I start feeling anxious about how long I’m taking to write a story, I look back over my past work to remember how far I’ve come. That always helps.
That’s a wonderful tip, Christy. It’s important to remind yourself that you’ve come a long way, baby. Thanks!
I would say that what hurts my writing is having a hard time coming up with content. I often struggle with knowing what to say. I write for a Christian audience and want them to feel they have gotten something good when they read my material. I often feel like my work is subpar, but I still publish it because like you said I would rework it to death. I would love any input you have on feeling more comfortable with my content.
Hi Paul – here are few ideas: #1) Go back through the comments from your audience — their remarks, questions…if there’s any back-and-forth discussion. They are telling you what the want to talk about.
#2) If you have their email list (and you should because it’s the #1 way to building engagement between an audience) and ask what topics they’d like to hear. Or, just privately email a select few you feel most comfortable contacting.
#3) If you don’t have an email, do a ASK THE READER post and ask them for topic suggestions for 2015.
Hope that helps.
Thanks Marcy,
I have not had very many comments on my posts in the past. I have a small dedicated readership, that I have posed the question to just a month and a half ago and got zero response. I was looking in to a way to gain emails today. I use blogger and there is no way I have come across to capture emails through their interface. I appreciate your input and will keep on trying to build my following.
God Bless,
Paul
I am a perfectionist, too. Thanks for these words of support 😉
Glad to help. Thanks for stopping by!
Love the article, but I’m having so much trouble physically reading it! A few weeks ago the menu on your blog started to do this weird thing where it would incessantly pop out from the left over your articles. I can keep swiping it back, but that gets so annoying and I often just leave the site, unable to finish reading. I’m viewing in Safari on an iPhone. Help!
So sorry you’re having troubles with the site! We added a mobile menu here recently, which is what you’re seeing. I’ll have to ask the web guys if there’s a way to keep it from popping out when it isn’t wanted.
Hi Marcy – I think I’ve seen your comments on the Firepole Marketing site…nice to see you here! Perfectionism is a topic i know all too well. I don’t start projects because of it. I don’t finish projects because of it. I finish articles, but then don’t send them in to editors because of it.
A while ago, I started a blog. I decided to stop reading all the “what makes a perfect blog post” articles and just started writing. It felt great. I have learned that THERE IS NO PERFECT. And that’s just fine with me.
Hi there, Laura – yes, you have seen me over @ Firepole Marketing. I’m glad that we’ve connected.
That’s WONDERFUL you’re getting rid of your perfectionism. I did the exact same thing with my blog. It took me five months to launch because I kept trying to make it PERFECT.
All it did was waste time. Now, I’ve decided that IMPERFECT ACTION IS BETTER THAN NO ACTION AT ALL. It’s almost become a mantra for me.
I’m soooo much happier for it. 🙂
Thanks for your comment.