Perfectionism is the enemy of progress.
Winston Churchill
There is one large obstacle that every author faces in the pursuit of their flawless novel – the first draft. It’s the raw, unpolished version of the story you’re telling that is miles away from perfection. However, imperfection is not something to be scared of, rather, it is something that should be embraced as part of the writing process.
A first draft is similar to a painter’s first brush strokes or a designer’s mood board. It’s an incredibly important stage where creativity flows freely and perfectionism is forgotten. Embracing imperfection in this stage allows ideas to bloom without inhibition. It’s the birthplace of creativity, where unrefined thoughts find expression. It’s essential to recognise that the first draft is not supposed to be perfect. It is supposed to be messy, unrefined and riddled with mistakes. So why should we, as writers, embrace that messy, imperfect first draft?
Perfectionism often serves as a barrier to progress.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Bill Phillips
The constant need to edit and revise in the pursuit of perfection stifles creativity and impedes the flow of ideas. Imperfection needs to be embraced in the first draft to liberate yourself from your own harsh gaze and allow for a more authentic and natural flow of ideas and thoughts.
Striving for perfection in the first draft can stifle progress. The quest for flawlessness may result in writer’s block or constant revisions, hindering the momentum needed to complete the work. By accepting imperfections, you allow the narrative to unfold naturally, setting the stage for progress.
Freedom to Create
The constant need to attain flawlessness can stifle creativity and impede the flow of ideas. By accepting imperfection in the first draft, writers liberate themselves from the harsh judgmental gaze, allowing for a more authentic and natural expression of thoughts. Embracing imperfection grants you the freedom to create without constraints. It liberates your thoughts and encourages the flow of ideas without the burden of perfection looming over your shoulders. This freedom often leads to unexpected and innovative avenues you might not have explored otherwise.
I find a notebook is often a brilliant way to focus on creativity and ideas. There’s no easy way to edit writing when you’re using a pen and paper. You can’t just go back and edit things so I find it a brilliant way to allow imperfection and have freedom in your creative process. There is an amazing notebook that allows you to write normally before scanning and uploading the contents, erasing the notebook and starting again (I’ve linked it at the bottom of my blog). It’s ingenious! I also love the traditional notebooks and transcribing the contents into my Word document. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for my favourite notebooks from Amazon.
Learning and Growth
Imperfection in that first draft creates the fundamental foundation for revisions and refinements. The first draft needs to exist to have the stepping stone towards improvement. The rawness of that first draft encapsulates the initial burst of inspiration which can be preserved through edits and revisions, but cannot be captured while pursuing perfection in the first draft. A seamless flow of thoughts needs to be prioritised to create those inspirational and authentic ideas.
Writing is a journey—a process that involves growth, learning, and evolution. Embracing imperfection in the first draft is akin to embracing the journey itself. It’s about acknowledging that the road to perfection is paved with imperfections, each one a valuable lesson in the writer’s pursuit of mastery.
Ease of Editing and Refinement
In addition to the point above, accepting imperfections in the first draft makes the subsequent editing and revision process more manageable. You have a foundation to build upon, shaping and refining the rough edges to carve out a polished final product.
Done is better than perfect.
Sheryl Sandberg
You need to have that first draft completed to edit and refine it. Without a completed first draft, there will be nothing to present to publishers and nothing to put out into the world. You need to embrace the imperfections to have that full foundation to build upon.
So, how can you embrace imperfection in your first draft?
- Set realistic expectations: Understand that your first draft is not meant to be flawless.
- Silence your inner critic: Allow yourself the freedom to write without judgment.
- Embrace the mess: Let ideas flow freely, even if they seem disjointed or imperfect.
- Trust the process: Recognize that imperfections are a part of the journey toward perfection.
We live in a world that prioritises perfection, but it is essential to recognize the beauty and significance of imperfection in the creative process. Embracing imperfection in the first draft is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the courage to create. It’s a vital step towards nurturing creativity, fostering growth, and ultimately crafting a masterpiece born from the raw essence of creative expression. So, the next time you embark on your writing journey, embrace imperfection—it might just lead you to brilliance.
Don’t strive for perfection, but purrfection. You know, like cats… Just do you and that’ll do.
Cristina Morero
Links:
AUS: Digital Notebook, Unlined Journal, 3-Pack A5 Notebooks, 3-Pack Mini Notebooks
US: Digital Notebook, Unlined Journal, 3-Pack A5 Notebooks, 3-Pack Mini Notebooks
Emilie Turner 