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To Write a Book, You Have to Let Go of Perfection

Maria Chapman
6 min readAug 9, 2024

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Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

The idea of perfection is a noble endeavor. It’s also a pathway to failure. For many aspiring authors working on their first book, the concept of perfectionism appears to be a guiding star, but it soon becomes a major obstacle.

Perfectionism is defined as setting excessively high standards. It can drive your efforts while simultaneously stifling creativity. While pursuing excellence is commendable, perfectionism can be a death grip of self-doubt and procrastination.

The aim here is to provide insights into the damaging effects of perfectionism on the writing process and offer practical strategies for overcoming it. Writing a book requires that perfectionism be replaced with a mindset of acceptance and resilience, unleashing your creative potential. Through introspection, mindfulness, and a willingness to embrace imperfection, you can transform your writing goals into authenticity, passion, and purpose.

Understanding Perfectionism in Writing

At its core, perfectionism is fueled by deep-seated psychological roots, including a fear of judgment, a fear of failure, and a desire for control.

Fear of Judgment

The fear of judgment gnaws at a writer’s confidence. It comes from a constant worry about how others will…

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Maria Chapman
Maria Chapman

Written by Maria Chapman

Maria Chapman is the founder of Connected Ghostwriting, LLC, and Journey 2 Success. Mental health, social justice, relationships, and business leadership.

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