What’s so great about perfect?
Just what exactly is “perfect” and where do we formulate our notion of “perfection”?
I believe that perfectionism is the root of many an artist’s block.
I’ll never be good enough.
If I can’t do it as well as ____________, why try?
I’m not sure my idea is worthwhile.
What if I fail?
My project could never reach the beauty and perfection of the idea in my head.
We often talk ourselves out of doing something before we even get the chance to start.
I am reminded of something painter Agnes Martin once said:
“We cannot make anything perfectly but with inner contemplation of perfection, we can suggest it.”
I made this video because I’d like to invite you to pick up the reins of a project or piece that is waiting in the wings for the perfect time, the perfect place, materials, amount of money, the perfection of your skills, or whatever notion of perfection is preventing you from diving in.
See what happens.
And let us know, OK?
Posted in 
Hi Michele,
Yes, yes!
Thank you for your wonderful, imperfect video about taking imperfect
action. Great reminder, and I appreciate your journey.
Blessings,
Joy
I love this, Michele! Allowing myself to take imperfect action is the only way I can get anything done!
Also, I love what an ex-boyfriend of mine always said: “Better is better.” Meaning start where you are, and tweak.
Whether you’re learning a new craft, putting up a website, recording a video, or cooking dinner, you’ve got to start somewhere, right?
Thanks for being such a great model of this with your lovely video. Yay for imperfect action!
Great post, Michele! And you ARE perfect, just the way you are.
Isn’t it funny how the universe makes an example out of our intent?
I think your imperfection in your videos is part of what them so appealing–the real person is there connecting with us.
And I want to let you know that I was interviewed for an online magazine called The Fertile Source, along with some of my artwork. It is focused on women’s issues, motherhood, pregnancy, etc. You can see it at http://fertilesource.com
Thank you for this post, you are sooo right. It was a thoughtful reminder of a discovery that took me 50 years of living to make – I hope others will get there earlier in life. Posts like yours hopefully help along the way.
I have been sabotaging myself for a very long time thinking that whatever I would do someone else had already done it and probably better, so why even try. As a result I had been waiting for a very long time to come up with something original not realizing of course that whatever I will create is by nature original – because no one else can ever do it the way I do, no matter if it’s better or worse or perfect or not. Stop comparing yourself too much, start looking for what’s inside you waiting to come out and enjoy the ride. Here a quote that I find very true and helpful:
Have your awareness on the task at hand and be detached from the outcome. This is karma yoga -Bhagvad Gita-
I love this quote from the Bhagvad Gita! I had not heard it before but it is EXACTLY what I teach in the Mindful Artist Mentorship Program. I talk about the difference in coming from a place of ego in our work or a place of service. Usually artists feel uncomfortable coming from a place of ego so the resist promoting their work because they feel that is the only way. They forget that their art is a service to others no matter how experienced or accomplished they are.
Delightful blog/vlog. It’s true that we can make ourselves unhappy over something whose whole purpose is to bring us happiness. How Crazy! Thank goodness I can still enjoy my childish innocence and have some fun and play. There’s time later to refine and perfect. Right now I just want to get started.
HAA HAA YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD……..I NEEDED SOME CONFIRMATION TO START ANOTHER MEDIUM, MY PAINTING I THINK I WILL TAKE A BREAK FROM AND GO BACK TO AN OLD DREAM OF CREATING CLOTHS. I LOVE CLOTHS, FABRICS YUMMMY COLOR!!!.
WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE TO US LITTLE PEOPLE OUT HERE MICHELLE, MAKING OUR WAY AS YOU ARE. YOU ARE A GIFTED AND KINDHEARTED, INTUITIVE TEACHER!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU.
SINCERELY JEWEL I HAVE A FEW PAINTINGS ON FACEBOOK , ANYONE WANTS TO CHECK OUT, I CAN’T REMEMBER WHAT IS THERE, BUT FOR FUN HAVE A PEEK, LOVE TO SEE ANYONE ELSES STUFF IF YOU LIKE.
JEWEL