10 Ways to Stomp Out Writer Perfectionism

DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writing perfectionists are seldom satisfied with their work, and the problem often stops them from experiencing productive publication. They offer reasons for their inability to move forward from the way they are wired, education, life experiences, and a host of other explanations. 

Could it be these writers are using excuses in an attempt to step out of their human DNA? None of us are perfect writers, so friends, we need to get past it.

When we view writing not as an art but as the perfect story, the result is a book without passion, emotion, or human frailty. The solution is to take a break and evaluate who we are and why we’ve allowed the demon called perfectionism to threaten our God-given gift.

Our self-worth is not tied up in a perfectionist/performance trap.

For the record, friends, neither is our self-worth wrapped up in book sales. Or is it based on how many rewrites, edits, writers we mentor, conferences we attend or teach, social media numbers—I think you get the picture. Our self-worth is based on our relationship with God and how we love others. 

The key is to accept who we are, our strengths and our limitations, and move forward with an attitude of grace. To move forward improving our craft, not demanding perfection.

But it’s not easy. 

Here are 10 ways I’ve found to rid our perfectionism and choose acceptance.

1. Accept I am human, and humans are imperfect creatures who must learn to forgive themselves and others. I’m not an exception, but a member of a beautiful collection of people. I do not have to be in control, and I can say no.

2. Accept I am unique and not to be compared with any other person or writer on the planet. I am loved by God and myself. He has made me unique. I treasure the time spent with Him.

3. Accept I can finish a project with definite steps and organization, but the project doesn’t define who I am. Everything will get done in due time, and we can plan for it. But if we fail, that’s okay. Through the process we learn how to better ourselvs.

4. Accept I can receive constructive criticism and develop strength from my mistakes and failures, not dissolve into a puddle of self-imposed worthlessness.

5. Accept I can take time for myself to enjoy life and those people special to me. I need time to rejuvenate. We all need to recharge. Get outside, view the majesty, and breathe in God’s creation.

6. Accept I can walk away from rejection and still be valued and worthy of love. 

7. Accept I can laugh at myself and the world. Humor is a biblical and scientific salve for all ailments.

8. Accept realistic goals and dream.

9. Accept I must take care of myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

10. Accept the value of transparency. I can reach out to others when I’m down, need to brainstorm, or simply need to hear another’s voice.

Perfectionism—a nasty trait that holds too many of us captive. Break out of those chains and set yourself free!

How do you fight the tendency to be perfect?

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10 Ways to Stomp Out Writer Perfectionism from author @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com