“Perfectionism” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, especially with regards to the arts. It gets misused almost as much as the term “genius” in the world of hype and promotion. Let’s take a look at how we can use “perfection” to our advantage in the creative process.
Perfect as Ideal
The most common definition of perfection that comes to people’s mind is something that is both beyond improvement and without any flaw. It also typically is seen as singular and unique. Miners search for a “perfect” gemstone and an artist will practice drawing a “perfect” circle.
In a positive sense, this unattainable objective can be used as an acknowledgement of the inherent flaws in all of us; it enables us to go on living knowing that only the unseeable, imaginary or divine can reach this state. “Well, nobody’s perfect” is an example.
Likewise, it gives all of us something to strive for that will always present a challenge and a source of humility.
However, when narcissism and ego won’t allow us to accept the impossibility of this kind of perfection, things can go tragically wrong.
When we lose our ability to accept the truth about perfection, a number of dangerous mind-states can form. Let’s see if any of these apply to us and our lives:
Indecision: By simply not committing to anything, we maintain the perfection of the unformed. Some people go through countless relationships in search of the “perfect” mate. As a result, they miss out on companionship and intimacy. Myriad songs have been left unfinished simply because they were not flawless. Canvasses are painted over and over, and finally discarded.
Negativity: At some point, in our attempts to improve our work, we get closer and closer, until otherwise invisible flaws become large and ugly. Nothing is beyond our zoomed-in, hypercritical viewpoint. Even the most beautiful supermodel doesn’t look great when we examine the pores on her nose with a microscope. At this point we are on a hunt for imperfections, and we find them.
Depression: When we fail repeatedly and inevitably to rise beyond the limits of normal human achievement, we finally become overwhelmed and lose our motivation. Much of “writer’s block” has to do with this lack of perspective.
Denial: Once we have become so paralyzed, negative and depressed we can escape by pretending we never wanted the object in the first place. This act of giving up is probably the biggest tragedy of all. Sometimes people numb themselves to avoid thinking about the fact that they turned away from their dream. At other times, instead of examining and changing our thinking, we convince ourselves that we are “burned-out” and need a break, never to return to the work we had begun.
Future Perfect
Choosing other, equally valid definitions of perfection allow us to go around these roadblocks. There are a number of viewpoints about perfection that can allow us to do our best work and express ourselves successfully.
Using an approach of finding the best fit among the choices available can allow us to move forward without the infinities presented by the ideal. This definition of perfection allows us to find a solution that fits the criteria we have already set and to feel good about our decision. This can often be achieved by eliminating all the obviously unacceptable choices. As an example, if there is a hole in a wall, and you hang a picture in such a way that it both looks good and hides the hole, you have found a perfect placement. The key here is to restrict the parameters used to assess the solution, in this case the coverage of the flaw in the wall.
The way this approach can go wrong is if we change the rules after we make our choice. For example, if we start evaluating the artistic content of the picture, or the colors. The perfection was in the placement, which satisfied the need.
More than One
Because the idea of the singular, incomparable and unique puts us into an endless and fruitless search, we need to find a way to accept that there are usually multiple solutions to the problem at hand. Going back to the relationship issues mentioned above, it is good to understand that there is not just a someone for everyone, but many someones. In this case, your mother’s advice about “many fish in the sea” is both correct and practical.
The insistence on a single, unique solution is what undermines this approach. We often discard many good choices in search of “the one.” If you are at a crossroads and have no information, any direction (except backwards) is a good choice.
From a Distance
Just as great distance makes small flaws insignificant, extreme close-ups can make even the most seemingly smooth things look rough and messy. Here is a picture of mirror-smooth glass under extreme magnification:
Needless to say there is an appropriate viewing distance for most any situation, and choosing that perspective will allow us to appreciate the relative perfection of what we are experiencing. Failure to “step back” is one of the main errors we make in our pursuit of the ideal.
Perfecting Perfectionism
In the world of real, human endeavor, we need a new definition of perfectionism. Having an idealized and impossible standard, while seeming noble and making a good story, leads to pain and frustration and despair. Something that is beyond criticism needs to stay in the realm of the philosophical and the spiritual, where we can admire it from afar.
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