In 2008, I embarked on a creative journey, intertwining my roles as a long-time meditator and a musician and songwriter. This venture resulted in the creation of a CD project titled “Soul Affirmation: Music for Better Outcomes,” a fusion of music and affirmations. Beyond its musical dimension, I envisioned this project as a new genre, coining it “affirmation music.” By seamlessly incorporating affirmations into the music, my goal was to craft a holistic experience uplifting listeners both musically and spiritually.
In the dynamic world of creativity, the pursuit of perfection can be a double-edged sword. As a long-time meditator with a background as a musician and songwriter, I understand the intricate dance between the desire for excellence and the potential pitfalls of perfectionism.
Artists are usually the toughest critics of their own work. But looking back on the project, and with fresh perspective, I admit that I got caught up in trying to make everything too perfect. Perhaps it was a bit too polished, too clinical, lacking the spontaneity of a group of musicians playing together in the same room.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m immensely proud of the work I created. Amy’s gorgeous voice shines through the entire project, and I take pride in my arrangements and guitar work. Sonically, I believe it’s a 10 out of 10.
The Perfectionism Trap
My personal experience taught me that the pursuit of perfection can become a trap, squeezing the vitality out of creative work. Hours spent meticulously refining every detail may result in a technically impressive outcome, but the soul and warmth that characterize truly exceptional art are often sacrificed in the process.
I now realize that my perfectionism might be rooted in a quest for flawlessness, stemming from underlying feelings of low self-worth or inadequacy. I had a need to control every aspect of the creative project, which can lead to overthinking and a loss of the spontaneous and authentic elements that breathe life into artistic endeavors.
Tips for Navigating Long Projects
Embarking on extensive projects, such as my album “Soul Affirmation: Music for Better Outcomes,” which took four years of dedicated effort, requires a mindful approach to prevent losing sight of the creative forest amid the trees. Here are tips, grounded in a mindset of mindfulness, to guide you through your creative journey:
Love the Process: Ensure that you genuinely love the creative process. Cultivating a mindset of passion for what you’re creating will sustain you through the challenges and prevent burnout.
Set Milestones: Break down your project into manageable milestones. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Pay Attention to First Takes: Thought is the enemy of flow. One valuable lesson I learned is that the immediacy of first takes, the unfiltered and authentic expressions captured in the moment, often turns out to be the hero takes. These moments carry a unique energy and spontaneity that can be lost in the pursuit of perfection through endless revisions.
Embrace Imperfections: Understand that imperfections are not flaws but rather unique elements that contribute to the authenticity of your work. Embrace them as part of the creative journey, fostering a mindset that appreciates the beauty in the imperfect.
Prioritize Enjoyment: While aiming for excellence is commendable, prioritize enjoying the process over obsessing about perfection. Find joy in each step, and let that joy infuse your work with vitality, promoting a mindful and positive mindset.
Stay Connected to the Vision: Regularly revisit your initial vision for the project. This mindful practice helps you maintain focus and ensures that perfectionism doesn’t derail you from your creative intent. Keeping your vision in mind fosters a mindset aligned with the true essence of your creative endeavor.
Time Sensitivity with Constraints: Don’t take too long. Extended projects risk losing their aliveness. Sometimes, creating constraints can help focus the project. Embrace limitations as opportunities for creative innovation, ensuring a balance between efficiency and the vibrancy of your work.
In conclusion, the path to creative fulfillment involves a delicate balance between the pursuit of excellence and the acceptance of imperfections. As a super creative, I encourage you to embark on your creative journey with mindfulness, embracing the inherent beauty in the imperfect strokes of your artistic expression. Remember, it’s the beautifully imperfect brushstrokes that create the masterpiece.
P.S. Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post and you’d like to read more like this just head over to ClarityMind.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
