The Psychology of 'Good Enough' in Creative Fields
- Adilla
- Aug 29
- 4 min read
Why Do Creatives Struggle with the 'Good Enough’ Mindset
There is one thing about being in the creative industry: the striving for perfection in an ever-competitive industry. It’s no wonder perfectionism goes hand in hand with artists. So, when the phrase “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well” doesn’t resonate with you, then it’s time for you to take a step back and reassess.
Table of Contents
How Revision Cycles Lead to Creative Burnout
If you have ever experienced the repetitive cycle of having to redo your work over and over again, then you might be reaching burnout, whether you realise it or not. This is how that is the case:
Prolonged Stress and Exhaustion
When demands for adjustments become a cycle with no end, ultimately, creatives will feel drained, not only mentally but also physically. The stress would build up to chronic exhaustion; hence, creative burnout.
Reduced Productivity and Focus
As your physical and mental wellness are negatively affected, your creative flow slows down and maintaining focus becomes a struggle. Plus, with your attention mainly on fixing or revising your work, your tasks are backed up, further affecting your productivity performance.
Losing Passion for Creative Work
What was initially your fuel and eagerness to fulfil your creative work, becomes a source of stress. You would unconsciously detach from your work, no longer being able to produce competitive artistic products.
Signs It's Time to Let Go of Perfectionism
Several signs indicate unhealthy perfectionism is haunting your life. Here is a list you could check in with yourself:
Chronic stress
Low self-worth
Procrastination
Fear of failure
Difficulty relaxing
Anxiety
Impostor syndrome
However, if not emotional and mental signs, you can also see these signs through your work ethic:
Struggling to celebrate achievements
Overly critical self-talk
Strained relationships with your coworkers
Obsession with details and fixes
Defensiveness to feedback
If most, if not all, of these symptoms are relatable to you, then it is time to take a step back and reassess how you have been performing on your task.
3 Harmful Impacts of Unhealthy Perfectionism on Creative Minds
Perfectionism is a mixed blessing. Achieving perfection in your craft is amazing, but not when it comes at the cost of your well-being. So, what happens when it takes over your life as a creative?
Stifling Creativity from Perfection Paralysis and Risk Aversion
Have you ever felt like there’s too much to check and too much to fix? That overwhelming feeling of tasks taking over you? But you can’t bring yourself to do any of them. Then, you might be experiencing perfection paralysis. This could lead to you avoiding taking risks or trying out new techniques, fearing it would affect your ‘perfection streak’.
Sabotaging Yourself Unconsciously
Every perfectionist has an inner voice that criticises their abilities to the point where they feel inadequate. The negative self-talk would lead creatives to avoid exploring further, forced to choose a comfortable, no-mistake task to prevent external criticism.
Detaching Yourself from the Creative Journey
Creatives become who they are because of their passion, their love for the craft. What happens when unhealthy perfectionism slips into their creative journey? At that point, it’s no longer about creating what you love. It will only be about creating what is perfect and, more likely than not, something common and normal that doesn’t challenge creative ideas.
The Psychology Behind “Good Enough”
Good enough doesn’t mean we shouldn’t improve or strive for the better; rather, it’s more about accepting our abilities as is or the time we create. When seeking perfection becomes the reason for your anxiety and contentment, then “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well” and “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good”.
By embracing “good enough”, you’re accepting a realistic view of your abilities, and rather than focusing on always trying to fix, you get to enjoy the process of creating. After all, what’s important is the journey; it builds growth, experience and new opportunities.
That’s why “done” can sometimes be better than “perfect”.
Key Takeaways
Perfectionism is great, but unhealthy perfectionism could hurt you in the process.
Being good enough as a path to work sustainability should be your goal to prevent future burnout.
Take note of the signs and symptoms before it takes over your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I let go of perfectionism?
Letting go of perfectionism can be difficult, but not impossible. First, you have to acknowledge that it is a problem. Then, practise self-compassion and see mistakes as a learning opportunity. These are a good start to letting go of perfection.
How do I achieve perfectionism in my work?
If you struggle to find perfection, there are a few ways you can achieve perfection. However, be aware that true perfection is unrealistic. Nevertheless, focus on consistency. While you are attempting to overwork yourself to try to fulfil an idea of perfection, that usually does not mean what that word means. Optimising and prioritising your tasks efficiently will lead you towards a more positive aspect of perfectionism.
How do I deal with burnout from perfectionism?
Dealing with burnout from perfectionism can be done by practising self-compassion and being kind to yourself. Prioritise self-care when you delegate tasks to prevent burning yourself out at work.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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