As ‘Intermountain Health’ points out, the antidote to perfectionism is self-compassion. We’re all human, we all make mistakes. And it’s important to recognize that and be more realistic about both our efforts, as well as our results. Being patient and supportive of yourself and your own work can yield better results than chronic self-criticism. Kindness, rather than negative self-talk, can motivate artists.
According to Walden University, perfectionism is likely to harm the quality of your life if you’re frustrated when you don’t get things ‘perfectly’ right, whatever the task might be. Perfectionists tend to be ‘all or nothing’ type of people. “You can be successful—and take pride in your success—without being the absolute best or the only one at the top.”
As a rule of thumb, perfectionists tend to crave other people’s approval. For many of them, it’s their main motivation. If all you ever care about is what others think about you and your photographs, that can really mess with your priorities. Instead, it’s important that you find enjoyment in whatever it is that you do. Sharing some less-than-stellar, quirky, witty photos that you took can be a good counterbalance if you’re feeling high-strung.
On top of that, perfectionists tend to be very critical of other people (this helps them feel better about themselves), but they’re incredibly defensive when they get feedback themselves. On top of that, perfectionists are massive procrastinators. The one thing that they truly fear is failing and for others to learn of this. However, that’s no way to go through life. Photography is about taking pictures, even though most of them won’t be great. But, heck, even the worst of the bunch can make the entire internet smile!