Hello, Transformers! Welcome to the CT Post-Production Photography blog. I'm Carla Toscano, photographer, editor and founder of CT Post-Production Photography. Today, we're going to talk about a very important topic: overcoming exaggerated perfectionism. I'll share some personal experiences, the pains that many of us face, and some historical and scientific facts about the subject.
Understanding Perfectionism
Perfectionism is something many of us struggle with, especially in creative fields like photography. The desire to do everything perfectly can often paralyze us and hinder our progress. When I first started my career, I faced this challenge too.
I remember spending hours tweaking a single photo, striving for perfection in every detail. Not only was this time-consuming, it also increased my anxiety and decreased my productivity. Studies show that excessive perfectionism is linked to high levels of stress and can lead to burnout.
A study by the American Psychological Association has revealed that perfectionism is on the rise among younger generations, with negative consequences for mental health. According to Dr. Thomas Curran, a professor of psychology at the University of Bath, perfectionism is associated with a number of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
Identifying Pains and Challenges
One of the most common pain points among photographers is constant self-criticism. We never think our photos are good enough and we’re always comparing our work to others. This mindset can be very draining and prevent us from enjoying our own growth.
Overcoming perfectionism starts with accepting that perfection is an illusion. It’s important to recognize that we all make mistakes and that every mistake is an opportunity to learn. I started to see my ‘imperfect’ photos as part of my growth process. Not only did this relieve the pressure I felt, but it also allowed me to be more creative and authentic in my work.
As vulnerability expert and bestselling author Brené Brown says, “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence. Perfectionism is the fear of making mistakes and being judged.”
Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism
To overcome perfectionism, we need to adopt some practical strategies. One is to set realistic goals and focus on progress, not perfection. Another strategy is to practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself in moments of failure or error.
Setting realistic goals was a game-changer for me. Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, I started focusing on doing the best I could within the time and resources available. This helped me increase my productivity and feel more satisfied with my work. Additionally, adopting the practice of self-compassion allowed me to better handle criticism and learn from my mistakes without feeling defeated.
To sum up, overcoming perfectionism is an ongoing process that requires patience and self-compassion. By setting realistic goals and focusing on progress, you can achieve a healthy balance between high quality and productivity.
If you need tools to increase your productivity and overcome perfectionism, CT Post-Production is here to help! We offer Actions and Presets that can speed up your workflow, as well as courses that teach advanced editing techniques. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you be more productive and confident in your work.