How practice overcomes perfectionism
Perfectionism is a killer as a artist-entrepreneur.
We pour so much of ourselves into our work, then tie our identity closely to that work. We get scared to "sell" ourselves because we identify so closely with our art and business - a rejection of our work is a rejection of ourselves.
That hurts.
I'm a people-pleaser, so it's doubly painful for me - not only do I fear rejection, but I don't want to do be a bother, to annoy, to harass. (all fears we hold around asking people to do business with us)
A concept I learned in the audiobook The Practicing Mind is the self-soothing saying of "I'm just practicing."
If we're Mr. or Ms. Big Shot Professional Photographer, there's no room for imperfection.
But if we're "just practicing," imperfection is expected. Even embraced, because we're 'failing forward' - we're trying and testing and learning and growing.
Whenever I get too caught up in my own head and ego, I catch myself, stop, and say, "I'm just practicing."
We'll never be perfect.
We're going to fail - and thus learn - a lot along the way.
And every time I run into a wall, despite the emotions around that, I know I'm facing both a challenge and an opportunity to carry on where others would quit.
Every time I persist, and every time I make progress.
Hey.
It's okay.
Whatever is scaring you, or holding you back, especially if it's your own thoughts and feelings...
It's okay.
Give yourself grace, and tell yourself, "I'm just practicing."
See if that doesn't help get you unstuck and having fun again with your photography.
What's the biggest challenge holding you back today? E-mail me and let me know.
James Michael Taylor
www.parttimephoto.com
P.S. Laci read my new book Freemium Photography and said "This was an awesome read that pushed me to really think about what I am looking for in my journey as a photographer. It kept me scrolling and wanting to read more and it was perfect timing for where I am at currently." Freemium Photography is now available for immediate download right here.
