I’m writing an article for a magazine. It’s going to be seen by about 30,000 people. Needless to say I’m a bit nervous. I want this thing to be perfect. And perfection means procrastination because I know it will never be perfect. So it’s keeping me from writing.
Here’s the funny thing. Each month, 30,000 individual people visit my site ChurchStageDesignIdeas.com. That’s the exact same amount as will see my article. I not only don’t stress about my posts on CSDI, I churn out two every day. I spend about 30 minutes on them. I’m obviously not over thinking it.
Here’s the background. I started CSDI with no real vision for it reaching over 100 people. I still remember the day I passed 100 views/day. I thought I had hit the pinnacle of my blogging career.
So there was no pressure to be perfect. I didn’t think anyone would see the site, so I only did what was necessary. I wrote simply and stuck with the facts. I made something I was happy with and let it be. Then as the site grew, I stuck with the same model. Perfection was never a necessary element to the success of my site.
And I need to remember that. Perfection is never a necessary element to anyone’s success. The article I write for these 30,000 readers will never be perfect. And that’s ok. I need to keep it simple and make it something I would want to read. I need to write for an audience of 100 and not stress out about it.
So what’s the secret to my overcoming perfectionism today? First, it’s impossible for me to be perfect. Second, I’m choosing to think small so I don’t stress out about it. The same simplicity that made CSDI a success will make this article a success. You don’t need to mess with success.
Today, kill perfectionism. Keep it simple. Don’t stress about the audience. Create something you’ll enjoy and let it be.
Have you noticed the increasingly large pool of people who seem to pride themselves in no reading content, but critiquing grammar and punctuation?
Does this odd infatuation do anything to fuel/dissuade your push or natural inclination towards over thinking?
not so much. my bigger fear and cause of perfectionism is that people will find out I don’t really know all that much. the whole…fear of being discovered as a fraud bit. 🙂
Have you noticed the increasingly large pool of people who seem to pride themselves in no reading content, but critiquing grammar and punctuation?
Does this odd infatuation do anything to fuel/dissuade your push or natural inclination towards over thinking?
not so much. my bigger fear and cause of perfectionism is that people will find out I don’t really know all that much. the whole…fear of being discovered as a fraud bit. 🙂
I know what you mean about “being discovered as a fraud.” I’m learning the key to that is to be real with yourself about who you are, what you can do, and why you’re “here” (where ever here is for you). I have just recently become a youth pastor, and I’ve struggled with my own expectations of what that means. What I should be doing, my relationship with my students, and the vision/focus of the ministry that God has entrusted to me. I have felt like if people could really see inside my head and heart, they’d fire me immediately. But I’m trying to be upfront with myself and everyone else about my skills, my expectations, and my goals. Hopefully we will both become completely comfortable with who we are in relation to what we do.
I know what you mean about “being discovered as a fraud.” I’m learning the key to that is to be real with yourself about who you are, what you can do, and why you’re “here” (where ever here is for you). I have just recently become a youth pastor, and I’ve struggled with my own expectations of what that means. What I should be doing, my relationship with my students, and the vision/focus of the ministry that God has entrusted to me. I have felt like if people could really see inside my head and heart, they’d fire me immediately. But I’m trying to be upfront with myself and everyone else about my skills, my expectations, and my goals. Hopefully we will both become completely comfortable with who we are in relation to what we do.
Stephen, I’m glad I’m not the only youth minister that feels that way, you sir, are not only not alone but also are on point!
Jonathan, you too are also on point with this! I’m learning very quickly that the best way to roll with the punches on perfectionism and that feeling of “what am I doing here” is to bring what you know you can to the table.
I’m not going to pretend I know how to make a T-bone steak when all I know how to do is make minute rice.
Stephen, I’m glad I’m not the only youth minister that feels that way, you sir, are not only not alone but also are on point!
Jonathan, you too are also on point with this! I’m learning very quickly that the best way to roll with the punches on perfectionism and that feeling of “what am I doing here” is to bring what you know you can to the table.
I’m not going to pretend I know how to make a T-bone steak when all I know how to do is make minute rice.