Do you sweat when you sit down to write because you worry about whether what you write is going to be good enough? This is the post for you. Whether you’re putting off writing for your blog, the next chapter of your novel, or your next sales email, it’s important to figure out how to get around writing perfectionism so you can get those words on the page.
Step 1: Permit Yourself to Write a Terrible First Draft
Anne Lamott, the author of Bird By Bird, called it the “Shitty First Draft.” Whatever you want to call it, permit yourself to write it. It seems silly but say it out loud. “I give myself permission to write the worst drivel to ever exist.” “I give myself permission to write an absolute crap chapter.” “I give myself permission to suck.”
It feels silly, but it helps. I know, I do this every time I come to the page. Do you know what’s great about really, truly horrendous first drafts? Once the words are out, you can revise and edit them.
Step 2: Give Yourself Enough Time to Banish Writing Perfectionism
This is important. If you’re like me, your perfectionism is going to convince you that you can write faster than you can write and that you write best when under pressure. I have news for you – you don’t. You make ridiculous mistakes because you’re typing so fast that sometimes you leave whole words out of sentences.
Over the years I’ve learned to multiply how long I think something is going to take by two and a half. Why? Because I have a really bad habit of underestimating – grossly – how long tasks take. When I do this, I might still go over my estimate, but at least when I do it I am much closer to what it will take.
Why does giving yourself enough time combat perfectionism?
Because you’re going to have enough time to go back and fix that first draft – and the second.
Step 3: Create a Rough Outline
If you know where you’re going, you’re more likely to get there, even if you wind up changing some of the destinations along the way. I always write with a rough outline. I create it, then I go back and fill in the holes. If I’m aiming for a particular word count, I’ll even note my word budget for that section. This helps combat perfectionism because I will be anticipating what is coming next.
Step 4: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easier said than done, but don’t do it. Nothing good ever comes of this. Every person has different strengths, weaknesses, and journeys that make them who they are today. I promise you, that person isn’t perfect. Neither are you. And that’s okay. That means that we can improve.
Step 5: Write That Terrible First Draft
Get it out, get it on paper.
Step 6: Use Growth Mindset Language with Yourself
Writing is a skill. Skills can be improved upon. The more you do it and the more you learn about the craft, the better you will get. Evading writing perfectionism is easier if you’re using gentle language with yourself.
Step 7: Let Your Writing “Cool” Then Revise
Don’t revise in the same session. If you’re a procrastinator, you may do this a lot. Stop. This is why you give yourself time. When you walk away from something and then come back, you’re much more likely to catch the errors and see both the good and the bad of the piece. If you try to revise hot, you’re going to see your friend the perfectionist stick out its nasty claws.
Step 8: Know That Perfect Novels Never Become Bestsellers
This is because their authors never write them. The perfect novel doesn’t exist, outside of in someone’s head. So go ahead, permit yourself to write the worst book ever. When you’re done, revise. When you’re done revising, find an editor if you need one. Combating writing perfectionism is the best way to have a shot at the bestseller list.
