Why perfectionism slows you down
How to remove the creative block
Perfectionism to UXers is like a badge of honour. We pride ourselves on the attention to detail and the drive to constantly push our work to the next level. When I asked some of my clients who share this sentiment about perfectionism, they say it's to be the best they can. It all sounds fantastic until it becomes a blocker that prevents them from going to that next level.
UX is a creative field with a multitude of sub-disciplines. New ideas are generated and shared every day. If you've ever written a blog or started a creative project, you are likely familiar with an unsettling feeling that quietly (or loudly) tells you no one will find the ideas you share valuable. Then we dismiss it as this particular piece is not good enough yet, that it needs more time to marinate. "I'm a perfectionist after all," says many of us. Many of these projects will forever remain the draft box and are never completed/published before you know it. That, my friend, is what we call the creative block.
Understand the block
That unsettling feeling you experience is not uncommon. It can be especially strong when you browse LinkedIn / Dribbble / Medium / other UXers' portfolio sites. Your mind quickly judges how you compare to others. If you listen quietly, what does it say? What do you experience? I've always experienced it like sailing with the anchor in the water - the ocean is wide open, yet I'm having a hard time moving forward.
If I had to take a guess, the strongest emotions you experience are probably fear and self-doubt. It takes shape and form of self-sabotaging thoughts, procrastination, and hesitation. Now comes the hard part - you have to look into it if you want to unblock yourself. If, for a minute, you could stop fighting and let the fear wash over you, what do you notice? Wait for the feeling to subside, what's left behind? Surprisingly, what remains is usually a sense of calmness and peace. Fear lives in our thoughts.
Appreciate the block
Our self-sabotaging behaviours and thoughts usually have a deep-rooted history. The good news is that it's not set in stone. Just like how everything changes, we can change too (and have been!). What may seem counterintuitive is that the original intention of these thoughts is to protect. In our case, it's protecting us from failing, feeling hurt, and disappointed. But that's our inner child talking. As adults, we've gone through way more and have come a long way in our lives. We know that we learn the most from challenges. If there is something you could do or say to your "protector" to put it at ease, what would it be?
Follow the spark
One of my favourite Youtube guilty pleasures is America's Got Talent. I just love watching someone taking the stage and do what they (believe they) do the best. (Yes, many gimmicky things are going on with the show, but if we consider that someone like you and me mustering the courage to stand in front of the judges with thousands of other contestants, it's pretty darn cool!) What gets me every time is the contestants' belief that they have something special to offer. Their faces and posture are calm and confident. They stride onto the stage with such swag and charge. They sincerely believe in their purpose and dream - to be there in front of the world and share!
I see the same glow in the countless UXers when they talk about why they choose what they do. There is a spark so bright that it lights the entire room. What is that spark for you? That is your unequivocally, unique voice. No one else can do the same.
Make it come true
Every one of us has a vision for ourselves. Maybe you haven't had a chance to crystallize it yet. What do you want to contribute to the world and to the life you're living? How would you like to feel 2, 5, 10 years from now? I've always imagined a world of endless space for myself. Every inch is filled with light. There is room for every person, every life, and for myself to be what I am. Write down that vision yourself. With this uplifting and empowering energy, what do you want to do? What mindset would you choose? Pick one thing to start.
The creative process is not as straight forward as it seems. We imagine that once we set a goal, the progress will simply follow. In reality, the moment we set a goal, doubts and fears start to interfere. I hope by now, you recognize perfectionism for what it is - our doubts that stop us from moving forward. The world needs to hear your voice. I know it because I've never met anyone like you. You are courageous to break free from the box called perfectionism, passionate to light the way with your spark, and open to be an active participant of this life and career. What you have to offer is beyond what I can imagine. I can't wait to see what you will make real in the world.
