Embrace Impermanence: Letting Go of Perfectionism to Unlock Creativity
Creativity is often romanticised as pursuing beauty, originality, and brilliance. We imagine the effortless flow of ideas and the joy of bringing something extraordinary to life. But the reality of creative work can be far messier — it involves false starts, mistakes, and constant adjustments. One of the biggest obstacles to realising our creative potential is the desire for perfection. We are frequently held back by an insatiable need to get every detail just right, and in the process, we often end up stifling the creativity we seek to unleash. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic Roman Emperor, frequently wrote about life’s transitory nature. He stressed the importance of focusing on meaningful work over chasing unattainable ideals. By embracing the impermanence of life, creative thinkers can learn to let go of perfectionism, allowing their ideas to flourish without the fear of falling short of perfection.
The Stoics believed that everything in life is in a state of constant change. The notion of impermanence teaches us that nothing is permanent, and this realisation can be both liberating and empowering. It allows us to focus on what is truly important rather than being immobilised by fear. This concept is incredibly powerful for creative people — it encourages us to do the best we can with what we have, release work into the world without agonising over every flaw, and keep moving forward. Creativity thrives on movement and experimentation, and letting go of perfectionism allows us to fully embrace the creative process with all its inherent unpredictability.
Perfectionism is often seen as a virtue. We might tell ourselves that striving for perfection is a sign of dedication, commitment, or a refusal to settle for mediocrity. For example, in the workplace, employees may be praised for going above and beyond, working long hours to perfect every project detail. This reinforces that perfectionism equates to high standards and success, creating societal pressure to always aim for flawlessness. However, perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. When the desire to make something perfect becomes all-consuming, it can paralyse us, preventing us from ever completing or sharing our work. We become overly critical of our efforts, focusing on every perceived flaw and shortcoming rather than recognising the value in what we have created. This obsession with perfection can lead to endless revisions, delays, and creative burnout.
The irony is that creativity, by its very nature, is not about perfection — it is about exploration, experimentation, and the willingness to take risks. When we demand perfection from ourselves, we limit our creative freedom. We become hesitant to try new things for fear of failure or rejection. The result is often work that feels safe, constrained, and lacking in authenticity. Perfectionism can strip our work of its soul, making it more about technical accuracy than emotional resonance.
By contrast, when we embrace impermanence, we accept that our work will never be perfect — and that’s okay. Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, who often left his works unfinished and continually revised his ideas. His willingness to embrace imperfection allowed him to experiment freely, leading to some of history’s most innovative art and scientific insights. We understand that our creative journey is not about producing flawless masterpieces but expressing ourselves, communicating ideas, and making an impact. The willingness to let go of perfection can be incredibly liberating. It frees us from the weight of unrealistic expectations and allows us to enjoy the process of creation rather than being consumed by the outcome.
In his ‘Meditations,’ Marcus Aurelius reflected deeply on life’s transient nature. He wrote, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of our existence. For Aurelius, the understanding that life is fleeting was not a cause for despair but an impetus to focus on what truly matters. It was a call to live with purpose, to do meaningful work, and to let go of the trivial concerns that often hold us back.
In the context of creativity, this Stoic insight encourages us to focus on the bigger picture rather than getting lost in the minutiae of making our work “perfect.” It reminds us that our time is limited, and we should not waste it pursuing an unattainable ideal. Instead, we should strive to create work that is meaningful and authentic, even if it is imperfect. The goal is not to eliminate every flaw but to make something that reflects our true selves and our unique perspective.
When we acknowledge the impermanence of life, we become more willing to take risks in our creative work. We realise that creating and sharing something imperfect is better than creating nothing at all. We understand that our creative output is part of an ongoing journey — each piece of work is a stepping stone that helps us grow, learn, and evolve. The value lies not in flawless execution but in creating itself and the courage to put our ideas into the world.
Creativity is inherently messy. It involves trial and error, false starts, and unexpected discoveries. The paradox of perfectionism is that it seeks to impose order on a process that is, by its very nature, chaotic and unpredictable. Creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves to make mistakes, experiment, and embrace uncertainty. Perfectionism, on the other hand, demands certainty and control, which can suffocate the creative spirit.
The most impactful creative work often comes from moments of vulnerability, where we allow ourselves to take risks and to be seen, flaws and all. When we are obsessed with perfection, we hide behind a façade, unwilling to expose our true selves for fear of criticism or rejection. This fear can prevent us from sharing our work, seeking feedback, or pushing the boundaries of what we know. But when we embrace imperfection, we open ourselves to various creative possibilities. We become more willing to share our work, to learn from others, and to grow.
The truth is that perfection is often a pursuit of safety. It is an attempt to shield ourselves from failure, criticism, and the discomfort of not being good enough. However, this pursuit of safety can limit creative growth, as it discourages risk-taking and experimentation — both essential for innovation and genuine artistic expression. But creativity is not about staying safe — it is about venturing into the unknown, about expressing something real and raw. Letting go of perfectionism allows us to create boldly, experiment, and make mistakes. We allow our creativity to flow freely without the constraints of unrealistic expectations.
Letting go of perfectionism does not mean abandoning high standards or settling for mediocrity. It means recognising that perfection is an illusion and that our time and energy are better spent on creating meaningful rather than flawless work. Consider the example of J.K. Rowling’s first ‘Harry Potter’ book, which had several imperfections and faced multiple rejections before becoming a beloved classic. Its impact came from the story’s authenticity and the emotional connection it fostered, not from being flawless. We become more productive when we let go of the need to be perfect. We finish projects, share our work, and move on to the next idea. We allow our creative energy to flow rather than get stuck in an endless cycle of revisions.
This shift in mindset can have a profound impact on our creative output. When we stop striving for perfection, we become more open to new ideas, more willing to take risks, and more accepting of the imperfections that are an inherent part of the creative process. We learn to see mistakes not as failures but as opportunities for growth. We have come to understand that each piece of work we create is part of a larger journey and that the goal is not to produce a flawless product but to keep moving forward, to keep creating, and to keep learning.
When we let go of perfectionism, we also create space for spontaneity and joy in our creative endeavours. We become more attuned to the present moment, allowing ourselves to fully engage with the creative process without the weight of constant self-criticism. This shift enhances our productivity and makes creating more enjoyable and fulfilling. Creativity should be a source of joy, not stress — and letting go of perfectionism is the key to unlocking that joy.
Practical Strategies for Letting Go of Perfectionism
1. Set Realistic Goals: Perfectionism often stems from unrealistic expectations. Instead of aiming for perfection, set achievable goals that are focused on progress rather than outcome. For example, aim to complete a draft rather than write the perfect piece. This helps shift your focus from the end result to the process of creation.
2. Embrace Iteration: Creativity is an iterative process. Accept that your first attempt will not be perfect and that improvement comes through multiple iterations. Allow yourself to produce a rough draft, knowing you can refine and improve it later. The key is to get started and to keep moving forward. Remember that each iteration is a step toward growth, and each version of your work is part of the journey.
3. Set Time Limits: Perfectionism can lead to endless revisions and delays. Set a time limit for each stage of your creative process, whether brainstorming, drafting, or editing. This helps to prevent overthinking and encourages you to make decisions and move on. Deadlines can be powerful tools for overcoming perfectionism, as they force you to prioritise progress over perfection.
4. Focus on Meaning: Remind yourself of the purpose behind your work. What are you trying to communicate? What impact do you want to have? By focusing on the meaning behind your work, you can let go of the need for perfection and instead prioritise authenticity and impact. Meaningful work resonates with people because it comes from a genuine place, not because it is flawless.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Perfectionism is often driven by fear of not being good enough. Practice self-compassion by reminding yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that imperfection is a natural part of the creative process. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a struggling friend. Recognise that every creative journey is filled with ups and downs and that your worth is not determined by the perfection of your work.
6. Share Your Work: One of the best ways to overcome perfectionism is to share your work, even if it feels imperfect. By putting your work out into the world, you challenge the fear of criticism and learn to accept that not everyone will see it the same way you do. The act of sharing can be incredibly freeing and can help you build resilience. Each time you share your work, you become more comfortable with vulnerability and learn to value progress over perfection.
7. Reflect on Past Successes: Look back on successful projects despite not being perfect. Reflect on how those projects impacted you and what you learned from them. This practice can help you see that perfection is not necessary for success and that the imperfections in your work often contribute to its authenticity and relatability.
The desire for perfection can be a significant barrier to creativity. It can hold us back, keep us stuck, and prevent us from sharing our ideas. Marcus Aurelius’s reflections on impermanence remind us that life is too short to waste on unattainable ideals. Instead of striving for perfection, we should focus on doing meaningful work, expressing ourselves authentically, and contributing something valuable to the world.
By embracing impermanence, we free ourselves from the unrealistic expectations that perfectionism imposes. We learn to accept our work, flaws and all, and find joy in creation rather than pursuing an impossible standard. Creativity is not about being perfect — it is about being brave enough to share our ideas, take risks, and embrace the imperfections that make our work unique.
Let go of perfectionism, embrace impermanence, and allow yourself to create freely and courageously. Doing so will make your creativity more authentic, your work more impactful, and your journey more fulfilling. Embrace the beauty of imperfection, and let your creative spirit soar without the burden of unattainable ideals. The world needs your unique voice, not a perfect one.
