I know it’s common to do an annual retrospective at this time of the year. I found myself thinking about some of the incomplete (perhaps not totally abandoned) projects from this year. If they are delayed or paused, it’s sometimes due to circumstances beyond my control. But I have realized that life’s unpredictability is not always my primary obstacle in pursuing creativity. Often, my interest in certain skills or goals will wane, especially when some new interest takes hold in my mind. I have learned that perseverance can matter more than a perfect outcome.
The Scatter of Abandoned Tools and Projects
It’s also the time of year that websites start reminding me that I need to log in or lose my account. I’m surprised sometimes, at the number of online tools for which I signed up but never persisted in using. All manner of organizational and note-taking methods. Many are now extinct, or got eaten up by some acquisitive tech brand. It creates an untidy scatter of half-remembered notes and ideas, some of which were copied to newer and fresher apps, only to be abandoned or copied as I moved on to the next thing.
I suppose that tells me that the problem is not the tools, but me. I’ve often envied those that are driven and purposeful in their creative efforts, single-mindedly pursuing a path and constantly honing their craft. While I flit from thing to thing, never really settling in on anything for the long haul.
Done Is Better Than Perfect: A Creative Lesson
And, if I’m being honest, I don’t think I really want to do just one thing. Someone might tell me that I should focus on one thing until I’ve sufficiently mastered it, then move on. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m built that way. While my mind frequently wants a fresh set of tasks and skills to work on, once I do return to a previously abandoned project it is not difficult for me to pick up the thread where I left off. I don’t know if that’s an innate ability or just learned behavior.
Still, I have learned some lessons, one of which is: “done is better than perfect.” I’ve spent a lot of time worrying partway through a project that I’ve made this or that error, then getting discouraged, and eventually abandoning the project altogether because of some perceived flaw. That can really take the wind out of your sails. It’s much better to complete it, put it out there, and deal with the flaws at a later time. Sometimes, with physical creations, you must rebuild/recreate it to remove the flaws. Other times, you just have to learn from the experience and resolve to make the next project a little better.
Reflecting on perseverance, I have found that overcoming perfectionism is a journey. Congratulate yourself for the small victories. For the defeats: let it go and try to use it as a lesson.
Looking Ahead: Growth and New Blog Directions
Technical issues with the blog have been taking up a lot of time that should have been spent — you know, blogging — but I hope to expand the blog in the coming year. I’ve decided to add a “what I’m reading” category in future posts. I strive to take notes when reading non-fiction. I do this in the hopes that I don’t lose the insights gained, but I think sharing them will help them to stick as well.
Undoubtedly, the next year will bring new challenges. The only certainty in life is: change will happen. Overcoming perfectionism and embracing perseverance is the goal this year. At the very least, this server is paid up for another year, so I will be around.
Have you faced similar struggles with unfinished projects or perfectionism? Share your thoughts below, and let’s explore perseverance and the creative process together in the coming year.