Is Perfectionism Killing Your Dreams?

Are you sitting on ideas or content because it “isn’t ready?” Is your content sitting in your drafts because you need to “look over it - again?” Welcome! 

My name is Krystal and I am (also) a perfectionist, and perfectionism is killing our business dreams.

I have floundered in the above scenarios for far too long, and maybe you have too. To get unstuck we need to be aware of what’s happening and move forward anyway.  

I have an imaginary critic who is impossible to please. And because she is perfect, I sometimes have a hard time creating. Of course, we want content that is as flawless as possible, and basic errors are inexcusable - like typos or sentence fragments. But, if we’re writing to a perfect critic who never likes our work, how is that serving us?  

What helps drive me past perfectionism is creating content that excites me. What excites me isn’t going to resonate with everyone, and that’s OK. For example, if you’re excited to create content for your new protein powder, but you’re letting the imagined (or actual) critique of die-hard Isagenix customer get in your way, it’s time to change your thinking. Remember who you’re talking to and what value you’re offering! As the saying goes, if you’re marketing to everyone, you’re marketing to no one.  

Admittedly, I have had analysis paralysis around my content. I wanted it to be perfect, which isn’t realistic in life - especially when you’re just starting your marketing. Marketing has a science side, but much of it is an art. It is creating, sending those creations into the world, and adjusting based on feedback. Creating and listening is the constant and consistent dance of content marketing.  

Another side of perfection is believing that your strategy or content is perfect. Spoiler alert: it isn’t. It may be perfect right now, but it will inevitably need to evolve: as your clients’ needs or lifestyles change, as the social/marketing landscape changes, etc. And, if you believe your content is perfect, but your KPI’s (key performance indicators) aren’t being met, then you will need to change your content and strategy. That said, make sure you are adjusting per your audience feedback, but continue to be authentic.

You’re hearing crickets, so you should probably quit, right? Not at all! If you’re just starting, you will need to create quite a bit and a variety of content to get some traction. That means, creating a mix of content consistently so people can get to know your brand and get a feel for what you can offer them. Don’t let the shadow of perfectionism steal your dream!