💖 The art of dealing with Perfectionism 💖

[5 min read]

Perfectionism can be a gift and a curse. On one hand, it pushes us to aim higher and produce our best work. On the other, it can paralyze us with doubt and make us feel like nothing we do is ever good enough. As a person that sets high standards for herself, I deal with perfectionism all the time. During work, drawing, even when cooking! Whether I’m designing stickers or planning my shop’s next move, the voice of “Is this good enough?” is always there.

Here’s the thing: perfectionism is something everyone faces in one form or another. It might show up in your work, relationships, or even hobbies. While it may never fully go away, there are ways to manage it and ensure it doesn’t hold you back. Here are three strategies that have helped me to deal with being perfect:

1. Set “Good Enough” Standards

Perfectionism often tricks us into thinking that only flawless results matter. But sometimes, “good enough” truly is enough. Ask yourself:

• Will this project achieve its purpose?
• Is this my honest effort within the time I have?

By setting realistic benchmarks, you can release the pressure to achieve perfection and focus on progress instead. A bit extreme, but I always say to myself when facing a white screen and when I don't know where to start drawing: 'It's just a doodle, it will not kill me.'

2. Embrace the Learning Process

Perfectionists tend to fear mistakes, but mistakes are where the magic of growth happens. Remember that every “imperfect” creation is a step closer to your best work. If I didn’t allow myself room to experiment, lilalicreates wouldn’t exist today!

Try reframing your mindset: instead of asking, “Is this perfect?”, ask, “What can I learn from this?”

3. Take Breaks to Regain Perspective

When you’re stuck in the perfectionism loop or the tunnel vision, it can feel impossible to move forward. Taking a step back—whether it’s a short walk, a hobby, or just rest—can help clear your mind and reset your priorities. Many times, I’ve come back to a design after a break and realized it was much better than I originally thought.

My Final Thoughts

Perfectionism is part of the creative journey, but it doesn’t have to define it. By finding ways to manage those high standards, we can embrace both the process and the product.

What’s something you’ve been holding back on because it’s not “perfect” yet? Maybe it’s time to let it out into the world—imperfections and all!

Let’s tackle perfectionism together, one step at a time 💖

Would you like to share your perfectionism struggles in the comments? I’d love to hear how you handle them!