Perfectionism; if left unchecked can kill any creative and their processes including musicians and artists. It is something that can easily grow from something so small into something that totally dominates our lives. If we strive for everything to be perfect we rarely get anything finished. If you're reading this now as a singer/songwriter and you have unfinished songs or as a musician you keep telling yourself that 'I just need a bit more practice' have you questioned where those voices are coming from and what you are telling yourself?
I can remember having an issue with perfectionism where it would totally kill my creativity, stop me from doing anything - it would totally cripple me. And I had to manually flick a switch in my head to tell myself 'okay, I'm not actually totally happy with where this is, but it's done to the best of my ability'. Is it done to the best of your ability at that moment in time? If the answer is 'yes' it is then consider it finished.
This helps draw a line in the sand - and review what was good and bad and then improve upon this on the next project we look to do and improve from the last time. This is how we can really improve and see development in our progress.
Another thing to remember is that nobody's stuff is 'perfect' and everybody thinks the same as to what you're thinking. Because you look at everybody and think that's perfect. But everybody else is generally looking at their stuff and telling themselves the
same thing. It's good enough for where they are at that moment in time. And then just making a point of improving it. You're never going to be perfect so don't let it cripple you.
ABOUT MARK
Mark is an online session drummer based in Reading UK providing remotely recorded drums to independent musicians and singer songwriters all over the world.
His main focus on the drums is to always be musical and listen to the other instruments in the band and support the song in it's development. It's always about the song.
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