Perfectionism as a musician why perfection is IMPOSSIBLE

Perfection as a musician:

Perfectionism is often viewed as a desirable trait. Many people associate it with a high level of achievement and excellence. However, perfectionism can have negative effects on one’s well-being and ability to succeed. Perfectionism as a musician or producer can quickly lead to unhelpful habits. In my experience, perfection was always a road that created standards too high to ever reach. It’s taken a LOT of time to change and I’m here to share WHY perfectionism NEEDS to be avoided when making music.

But first, what is perfectionism?

Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a relentless pursuit of flawlessness and high standards. Perfectionists set exceedingly high expectations for themselves and often have a critical inner voice that chastises them for any perceived shortcomings. They may also impose these high standards on others, leading to a difficult and uncompromising work environment.

Perfectionism as a musician: Explained

A musician who is a perfectionist may have unrealistic expectations about their art, performance, recording, or voice. As a musician or producer, these high standards can quickly kill the most important part of the creation process – the enjoyment. This can happen at any point in the journey. Even multiple times if you aren’t careful.

I’ll share an example. When I first experienced a negative impact from perfectionism I was in college. I worked hard enough and loved guitar enough to be accepted into a collegiate classical guitar program. The practicing was rigorous and I came to accept that was part of the cost to achieve perfect results. However, no matter how hard or for how long I practiced I could never achieve “Perfect” results (in my own eyes). The problem with this need for perfection is that I eventually associated perfectionism with enjoyment. Perfection = Happiness. Massive red flag right there.

I did not realize until years later that this association had caused a negative change in my life. I got so obsessed yet unhappy playing guitar that I left the program within a year, despite playing guitar passionately for the previous 10 years of my life.

So, as a musician, it’s crucial to always protect that feeling I know we all get from practicing, playing for fun, playing on stage, DJing, or producing. If you find yourself in a situation anything like mine, take a step back and try to re-imagine that feeling that started your journey.

Negative consequences of perfectionism:

While striving for excellence can be admirable, perfectionism can have negative effects on one’s well-being and success. Here are a few potential consequences of perfectionism:

1. Procrastination: Paradoxically, perfectionism can lead to procrastination. Someone who sets unattainable standards may become overwhelmed and put off tasks until they feel they can do them perfectly. This can lead to missed deadlines and incomplete projects.
2. Anxiety and Depression: Perfectionism can cause anxiety and depression. The constant pressure to be perfect can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. These feelings can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression.
3. Impaired Relationships: Perfectionists may have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships due to their uncompromising nature. They may be critical of others, leading to conflicts and difficulties in social situations.
4. Burnout: The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout. Perfectionists may push themselves beyond their limits, neglect self-care, and sacrifice their physical and emotional well-being.

Strategies for managing perfectionism as a musician:

While perfectionism can have negative consequences, there are ways to manage its effects. Here are a few strategies:

1. Create sustainable habits – habits are the truest building block for success. If you can be happy while performing habits like practicing or warming up, you’ll incrementally reach the success desired and never feel pressured.
2. Set realistic goals: Rather than aiming for perfection, set achievable goals that can be realistically accomplished. Celebrate small successes and progress, rather than focusing on unattainable ideals.
3. Practice self-compassion: Rather than criticizing oneself for perceived flaws or mistakes, practice self-compassion. Treat oneself with kindness and understanding, and recognize that everyone makes mistakes.
4. Seek support: Surround oneself with people who are supportive and understanding. Seek the help of a therapist or counselor to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing perfectionistic tendencies.
5. Prioritize self-care: Perfectionists may neglect self-care in favor of striving for excellence. It is essential to prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation, to maintain physical and emotional well-being.

Conclusion – what’s important to know about perfectionism as a musician:

Perfectionism is a trait that can have both positive and negative effects. As a musician, it’s important to keep the passion alive because creativity and passion go hand in hand. Set realistic goals, be proud of YOUR spot in your journey, and NEVER expect your journey, or sound, or playing style to be like anybody else. Being unique is a key to success and oddly enough being perfect as an artist. Stop seeking perfectionism as a musician and start feeling proud of your art.

PS- If you are interested in breaking a Bad Habit associated with perfection check out the book ATOMIC HABITS (it’s just a really good book, I get nothing for telling you about it). This is a very great book for removing bad habits and bringing out the best of our intentions.

All my new subscribers are getting my very own production checklist absolutely free when signing up. This can give you a better guide on what’s important and help keep your productions moving instead of getting caught in the endless “Perfection” loop. 

So sign up below 🙂

Contact me about mixing (or anything music)

More by KSP

BEATS

MIXING/MASTERING