THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF PERFECTIONISM IN WRITING.

A lot of folks have taken pains to explain to me several times the reason why they can never succeed as a writer. Most of their excuses ranges from the fact that; they hadn't taken enough  writing course, to the fact that each time they manage to write, their writing often look very horrible. Of all this, I noticed two very powerful things that have contributed to this their state of hopelessness.

1.     Perfectionism

2.     Lack of self confidence.

Of the two, I will dwell on perfectionism as a major cause of writers block. Some other times, we shall talk about self-confidence and ways to improving it as a writer.

Perfectionism simply put, by my own definition, is an act of always wanting everything to be perfectly done without mistakes or finding it hard to get satisfied with anything less perfect.

Of a truth, nobody wants a mediocre standard. Not even myself.

Sincerely I detest it with all malice.

But the truth is that as a beginner writer or even a professional, you shouldn't kill yourself for making a mistake. The reason is, you will end up messing up much more the next time, because you have already dampened you self confidence.

The grandest truth you should note is that, nobody is really perfect.

Yes, you heard me right.

Even Mr. Right is never right! 

 And no matter how good your writing may seem to you, it can never be void of getting critiqued. The sense of perfectionism paralyses you and keeps you from accomplishing your goals. If you feel like everything has to be done perfectly, then am very sorry to tell you that you will never be truly happy with yourself or your circumstances. Instead, congratulate yourself for a job well done instead of wanting everything to be absolutely perfect. If you are in the mindset of a perfectionist, then, you will only be getting in the way of more confident version of yourself.

There is a striking difference between doing a sloppy job and agonizing over something until it is past flawless. Find a way to be happy with what you have done, without obsessing over it.

The key is you never can get better without making a mistake. Even many famous writers often throw away many junks of their write-up and still get criticized after getting published. It has never diminished their influence, but it only makes them better.

So, just start writing, engage the power of your imagination, and you will be amazed at what you would achieve.

 See you at the top!

Please remember to drop a comment, that is the only way we feel your appreciation.

Next time, I will be talking about building your self-confidence as a writer.

I remain yours sincerely,

Iyke Udenze.