This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Wellness Program.

If there’s anyone who understands  contending with the pressures of perfectionism, it's a music creator. From hours spent honing technique to refining compositions, chasing an unattainable ideal isn’t uncommon and can become all-consuming.

Unfortunately, a perpetual pursuit of perfection can cause important parts of your artistic essence to suffer; it can stifle spontaneity and creativity and foster feelings of frustration and inadequacy that can jeopardize your fulfillment and longevity as a musician. “In my experience, perfectionism is the ultimate creativity killer. It's like kryptonite to creators, sucking the joy and energy out of the creative process,” says Rayni Collins, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in helping creatives and artists. 

According to Collins, if you want a long, fulfilling creative journey, learning to manage perfectionist behavior is crucial. “Start early and you'll be amazed at how much more vibrant and fulfilling your creative life becomes,” she says. But how do you even begin addressing something so deeply ingrained into the psyche of many artists?

The Problem with “Perfection”

In an industry as fiercely competitive as this one, it may feel like achieving perfection is the only way to succeed. Without the perfect voice, the perfect notes, and the perfect performance, you might think you’ll get left behind. But that’s not the case, and Collins says there’s a major difference between working hard and striving for excellence versus striving for perfection.

“While striving for excellence is important, perfectionism – which seeks a flawless and unchanging result – can be detrimental to creativity,” she says. “True mastery involves continuous learning, improvement and embracing iteration and experimentation.”

Unlike working to improve and hone your craft, Collins says working to achieve perfection can stifle exploration and growth. Without those two vital components, it will be very hard to innovate and evolve as a creator.

“Exploration and growth are essential for groundbreaking work,” she says. “Creativity thrives on exploration, not stagnation. In essence, perfectionism aims for a fixed end point, while creativity embraces the journey of continuous exploration and improvement.”

Why Do Creators Often Struggle with Perfectionism?

When you’re in a creative industry, it’s not uncommon to struggle with perfectionism. “The creative process is inherently vulnerable, leaving creators susceptible,” says Collins. “While external standards and expectations certainly play a role, internal factors like the fear of criticism can fuel an unhealthy pursuit of praise and avoidance of perceived imperfections.”

Not surprisingly, constantly feeling like everything you do needs to be flawless can take a toll on your mental health. Oftentimes, Collins says this manifests as anxiety, depression and creative burnout. “Many creators, believing perfectionism is the price of success, suffer in silence, unaware of the potential for a thriving creative journey built on self-compassion and realistic expectations,” she says.

+ How to Avoid (and Bounce Back From) Burnout

3 Ways to Manage Perfectionism as a Creator

For some, it’s nearly impossible to avoid perfectionist tendencies. Because of that, it’s crucial to learn how to manage them. The next time you find yourself grappling with perfectionism, here are some simple ways to keep it in line.


1. Challenge Your Inner Critic

Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies. Because of that, Collins suggests challenging your inner critic and ditching any unrealistic standards and expectations that are put on you – whether those are internal or external. “Analyze them objectively and ask, ‘Are these truly achievable and supportive of my growth?’ Remember that progress, not perfection, is the key,” she says.


2. Reclaim Your Power

Next, Collins says to reclaim your power by redefining your own creative journey. “Set realistic goals, celebrate progress and focus on personal growth over achieving an elusive ‘perfect’ outcome,” she says. “You’re the artist, not the critic.”


3. Reframe Your Language

By simply reframing your language, you can change the way you perceive yourself and your work. “Words hold power,” says Collins. “Swap ‘perfectionist’ for a term that empowers you, like ‘dedicated learner’ or ‘passionate creator.’ This shift in mindset can spark a positive change in your creative process.”

How to Harness Perfectionism to Your Advantage

Even with all these tricks up your sleeve, perfectionism is hard to overcome. So the next time it strikes, don’t see it as a bad thing. According to Collins, there are a few simple ways you can harness perfectionism and use it to your advantage, turning it into a positive rather than constantly working to manage a negative.


1. Transform Deadline Demons

When faced with looming deadlines, your perfectionist tendencies might trigger panic. However, there's a way to turn this around. “Instead of panicking, use your detail-oriented nature to schedule meticulously,” says Collins. “Allocate ample time for each stage, ensuring you can execute every element to your high standards. Deadlines won't feel like threats, but launchpads for excellence.”


2. Embrace Flexible Frameworks

When grappling with perfectionism, it's essential to find ways to work with it rather than against it. That’s where Collins says flexible frameworks come in. “Set clear project standards, outlining your vision for quality,” she says. “Write them down for clarity. Don't fear adjustments if needed, as long as they stay within achievable ‘greatness,’ not unreachable ‘flawlessness.’”


3. Dream Big and Create Progressively

Collins says keeping the ideal of perfection alive isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “Let it inspire your brainstorming and guide your vision,” she says. With that being said, she says it’s important to remember that true growth happens incrementally: “Embrace iteration, learning and refining with each step. Perfection may be a lifelong pursuit, but you'll create incredible work along the way.”