As a fourth-year student, Kayla Oerlemans knows that chasing As, obsessing over details, and waiting for the “perfect” words to come to mind can stall productivity. The Writing Centre tutor and English major remind students that writing should be about progress, not perfection.
Why you shouldn’t let perfection hold you back
Perfection is an impossible standard to reach. No matter how many drafts we write or how much time we spend working, there will always be areas for improvement. Having a mindset like this can not only hinder creativity but stop real progress from happening. Instead of accepting this work as satisfactory and moving on to our next assignment, we get stuck in this trap of self-doubt, convinced that our output is not good enough. Sometimes, the pressure of perfectionism can be so intense that it prevents us from even starting in the first place. For me, there have been so many times when I have stared at a blank page, afraid to write anything down in fear that what I will end up writing will not be “perfect.”
The power of progress
Shifting to a growth mindset perspective keeps us from sinking into quicksand with the hope of climbing out. Give yourself permission to write, even if it does not come out exactly how you want it. It’s scary, I know, but progress means moving forward, and that’s all you have to do! Remember that every sentence you write is a step towards improving. You never get better if you do not try. Focusing on progress is also a reminder that writing is a process. It involves drafting, revising, drafting and then revising all over again. Every step involves learning and developing skills that will last you a lifetime. These small steps indicate positive progress – not just in your writing skillset but also in your effort to keep trying.
Tips and tricks on how to shift your mindset
Through my time at the Writing Centre, I’ve picked up a lot of wisdom from my fellow tutors on how to break free from perfectionism:
- Set small, achievable goals.
Instead of focusing on the final product, try focusing on it in small sections, taking the assignment paragraph by paragraph. To build confidence, tackle the process step by step. Start by brainstorming, gathering evidence, or writing a strong thesis statement. Getting your initial thoughts out of your head and onto paper is a win! A draft is always better than a blank page.
- Write first; edit later.
Resist the urge to edit your drafts while writing. Editing causes a break in thought, making it harder to return to the original task. Get your thoughts onto paper, then revise to help break that perfection cycle.
- Allow yourself to make mistakes.
Mistake-making is an important part of the writing process; embracing errors allows you to open yourself up to new ideas or opportunities!
- Focus on your improvement.
Consider these questions when reevaluating your creative habits: “Am I becoming more resilient?” “How have I stepped out of my comfort zone, and how has that impacted my work?” “Does my writing reflect my evolving values, beliefs, or understanding of the world?” and “Am I growing more comfortable expressing my authentic voice?” You will naturally recognize improvement and focus on emotional growth, psychological stretching, values, and authenticity rather than perfection.
Whether it is a research paper, a short story or a blog post like this, remember: the final product does not need to be perfect; it just needs to reflect progress. Regardless of where you are in life, what matters is that you are moving forward, learning, and improving. Perfection is a myth, but progress is real, rewardable, and ultimately more achievable.
To connect with a tutor, drop by OM 1411 or book online tru.ca/writingcentre.
