Perfectionism is a trap. As writers, we often struggle to find the line between perfectionism and doing our work to the best of our abilities.

Creative people are rarely satisfied with their work. Even when we love a piece, it doesn’t take long for its flaws to become evident, if only to ourselves. If you belong to a critique group or have published anything online, you know it’s not possible to please everyone, or even most people.

Today, pause for a moment to reflect on perfectionism. Acknowledge that you are human and flawed, and that your work will be also. You will make mistakes and you will learn from them. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for excellence and correct spelling, but please don’t let a need for perfectionism stunt your creativity or inhibit your desire to share the results.

Your work will be as flawed as you, and in its own way, perfectly you.