.png)
Perfectionism is a cliché often mentioned during job interviews when asked to name a weakness (well, that's the joke that goes with it, right?). And let’s be honest, we all know it’s not really a "flaw" per se, eh? However, the constant pursuit of improvement can become paralyzing. We always think there’s a way to do better, to refine one more detail, and we end up sacrificing precious time (and sometimes even the work itself) for that last 1% we think we can improve.
The trap of perfectionism for musicians and other creative minds
Let’s take a concrete example: you’re a musician or singer, and you’re recording at home. Without the constraints of a paid studio where every minute costs money, you can redo the same musical phrase dozens, even hundreds of times. Why? Because you’re convinced you can always do better. So, you keep going, over and over, searching for that perfect take. And then, once you’ve recorded all these takes, you have to sift through them. And that’s where the fun really starts! The perfectionist in you hesitates between two takes that someone else would probably find identical.
In this case, perfectionism becomes counterproductive. It wastes a lot of your time and can even lead to never releasing your project. Sometimes, an album never comes out because you’re convinced it’s not good enough. And even when it finally does get released, there may still be that feeling of unease or fear that the result isn’t living up to your unrealistic expectations.
How to avoid getting trapped by perfectionism
Set limits: If you’re recording at home, for example, limit yourself to a specific number of takes (say, 5 or 10). Once you’ve reached that number, stop. What matters isn’t having the perfect take, but having one that is sincere and emotionally authentic. (And trust me, if you set “10” as your number of takes per phrase/section, you’ll end up doing 12 or 14 anyway...)
Ask for outside opinions: Sometimes it’s hard to evaluate your own work objectively. Have trusted people listen to your work who can give you honest feedback without getting caught in the perfectionism spiral.
Learn to let go: Accept that your work will never be 100% perfect, and that’s okay. In art, there is no absolute perfection. A work of art is alive and continues to evolve even after it’s released, in the way it’s perceived by others.
Put a final point on your project: It’s crucial to know when to say “it’s finished.” Whether it’s a piece of music, a painting, or any other creative project, there comes a moment when you need to let go and release it into the world. If your goal is to share your art, an imperfect but completed work will likely have more meaning for your career than a masterpiece that never sees the light of day.
The hidden benefits of perfectionism
Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that perfectionism has its advantages. This quest for precision pushes you to maintain high standards in your work, to pay attention to detail, and to give your best. Perfectionism can be a driving force, as long as it doesn’t stifle your creativity.
The key is knowing when perfectionism becomes an obstacle. If you’re losing time or doubting every decision, it’s a sign that it may be time to reassess your approach. Perfectionism doesn’t need to be eliminated but rather channelled and managed.
To transform it into a constructive quality, set clear limits at every stage of your project. Instead of aiming for unattainable perfection, focus on concrete, realistic goals. Perfectionism can be an ally in honing your skills, as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of completing the project itself.
Once you’ve reached a satisfactory level, congratulate yourself on your progress, even if it’s not perfect. Perfection is often an illusion, and what truly matters is the impact your work has on others, despite its imperfections.
By adopting a balanced approach, you can harness the strengths of perfectionism without getting trapped by its excesses. This allows you to produce authentic, complete works without being paralyzed by the idea that they must be flawless.
So:
Perfectionism is a double-edged sword: it can push you to give your best, but it can also hold you back from completing your projects. As a creative, and especially as a musician, it’s crucial to know when to let go and accept that perfection doesn’t truly exist once a work is shared. Perfection is not universal.
P.S.: I truly understand that it's easier said than done. I'm actually adding this P.S. because I thought the article wasn't good enough. Hehe. But at least it was published at some point. You can do it!
Comments