Embracing imperfection: Meeting fear of failure through art
Perfectionism often feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives individuals to achieve high standards and produce exceptional work. On the other, it can perpetuate a cycle of self-criticism and fear of failure that can block our goals and paralyze growth. For people struggling with fear of failure, art therapy can offer a unique approach to embracing imperfection and overcoming internal barriers.
Understanding Perfectionism
Perfectionism is more than a desire to excel. It’s a personality trait characterized by setting excessively high standards for oneself and others. It manifests as a relentless pursuit of flawlessness, accompanied by a critical inner voice that rarely seems satisfied. This internal critic is not just a minor nuisance – it can deeply impact self-esteem and well-being.
People who struggle with perfectionism often have a “never-good-enough” mindset. This feeling of inadequacy – that can also show up as imposter syndrome – can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and low self-worth. Common signs include being highly critical of oneself and others, procrastination or fear of trying new things, defensiveness, and feelings of shame and depression. These patterns not only stunt growth and sabotage our goals but also interfere with quality of life.
How Perfectionism and Fear of Failure are Linked
Fear of failure is intricately linked with perfectionism. When individuals set impossibly high standards, the fear of falling short and not meeting those expectations can become paralyzing. Because falling short perpetuates the (mis)belief that “I am not good enough.” And so, this fear can prevent us from attempting new hobbies, projects or opportunities, as the prospect of not meeting their own expectations feels too daunting. The irony is that this very fear often leads to avoidance and inaction, which is a failure in itself.
Meeting Fear of Failure Through Art
Art therapy provides a unique avenue for confronting and navigating these challenges. The focus in art therapy is on the process and self-exploration rather than the product. The goal isn’t to achieve an outcome worthy of an art gallery! The goal in art therapy for fear of failure is to embrace the process without judgement.
Here are a few benefits of art therapy for perfectionism tendencies:
1. Freedom to play
Art therapy encourages participants to connect with their creativity without the constraints of perfectionism. The therapeutic process emphasizes exploration, experimentation, and expression. By focusing on the act of creating rather than the final product, individuals can free themselves from the fear of making mistakes and help reduce the fear associated with the act of trying.
2. Builds tolerance to setbacks
Engaging in art therapy helps individuals build resilience by exposing them to the reality of setbacks and imperfections. Through artistic experimentation, people learn that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the creative process. This experiential learning can translate into a greater tolerance for setbacks in other areas of life and helps to reframe the concept of failure as an opportunity for growth.
3. Connecting with emotions
Art therapy provides a safe space for individuals to connect with their emotions and express their vulnerabilities. For people with perfectionistic tendencies, sharing these expressions with an art therapist can be valuable for greater self-awareness, processing of complex feelings and experiences, and for emotional release. This process can help get to know the inner critic and provide a more compassionate understanding of oneself.
Tips to Embracing Imperfection Through Art
1. Start small
Begin with simple, non-threatening artistic activities such as doodling or coloring. The goal is to engage in the process of creating rather than focusing on the end result!
2. Set aside judgment
Ask your inner critic to sit in the waiting room (so to speak) for a while! Set aside some time and allow yourself to create without evaluating the outcome. Remind yourself that the value lies in the doing and not in achieving perfection.
3. Have fun experimenting
Explore and play with different mediums and techniques. Embrace the messiness and unpredictability of the creative process!
4. Reflect on your experience
After creating, take some time to reflect on your art-making experience. Notice what came up for you during the process, including any thoughts and feelings.
Feel some hesitation around navigating perfectionism and fear of failure? Book a free 15-minute consultation* to see if art therapy is for you.
*For residents in Ontario (and some other provinces)