Embrace Consistency Over Perfection in Your Writing Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Showing Up
Today, I find myself back at my desk, writing once again. I've encountered numerous articles on achieving success in online writing, with the common theme emphasizing the necessity of being consistent. However, like many others, I often become overly absorbed in my thoughts about what I'm writing and how it should appear.
In reality, it doesn’t have to conform to any specific standard. The main challenge lies in simply making the effort to show up. So, why does this seem so daunting? I could delve into scholarly research to back this assertion, but that would likely derail my current objective of overcoming the urge for perfection.
While research and validation are crucial, they aren't conducive to my immediate goal, which is to write and share something. It feels like an experiment, in a way.
Section 1.1: The Purpose Behind Writing
Why do you write? It’s a deeply personal question with varying answers. For me, it shifts depending on the type of writing I’m engaged in.
When crafting an informative piece, such as those I often write about astrology, the goal is to educate my audience. In contrast, when I write poetry, I aim to explore and express my emotions, making them relatable to others. In instances like this, my intent is to cultivate a mindset of flow, self-acceptance, and a commitment to the practice of showing up.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Futility of Perfectionism
Perfectionism, in my view, is ultimately unproductive. Even when I strive for perfection, it seldom materializes. That’s perfectly fine. We inhabit an imperfect world filled with challenges, so why should we expect ourselves to achieve flawlessness?
Throughout history, humans have pondered the question, "Why are we here?" So far, no one has provided a definitive answer. Perhaps our purpose is simply to exist. It follows that we should continue to move forward, engaging with life instead of getting bogged down by concerns like, "Am I on the right path?" or "I need to wait for 'x' before I can do 'y'"—especially when what you truly desire is to pursue 'y'. This mindset only leads to procrastination and wasted time.
Section 1.2: The Wisdom of Perseverance
I often remind myself of Dory's insightful advice: just keep swimming. As we navigate life, we've made countless choices, many of which we might reconsider with the knowledge we possess now. However, these experiences are instrumental in shaping our preferences and identities.
Imagine the person you'd be if everything had gone according to plan. While it's easy to envision, reality rarely aligns perfectly with our dreams. Our aspirations serve as valuable guides, but what truly matters is the journey they lead us on.
I subscribe to a belief from hermetic philosophy: the universe is inherently positive, where good tends to prevail over evil. We all experience highs and lows, but both states are temporary. If today isn’t going well, there’s a good chance tomorrow will be brighter.
Chapter 2: Key Takeaways
- Different writing forms necessitate various approaches.
- Striving for perfection is counterproductive.
- The essential factor is to consistently show up.
And there you have it. This took me an hour to compose. I believe regular writing practice could help me become more fluid. Wishing you all the best!
In this enlightening video, Thomas Curran discusses how to navigate external pressures that push us towards perfectionism, offering insights into self-acceptance and resilience.
In this engaging conversation, Thomas Curran explores strategies to break free from the perfectionism trap, encouraging viewers to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions without fear.