Oh Hello Again, Perfectionism
What most advice gets wrong about one of your sharpest creative instincts.
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xxx
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Oh Hello Again, Perfectionism
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece called Perfectionism Isn't the Problem, and it took off.
It was shared widely, sparked deep conversation, and made one thing clear:
We need a more honest and more experienced conversation about what actually happens inside a lifelong creative process.
So I'm going deeper.
This is the first in a series where I'll be expanding on the ideas from that original essay, starting with perfectionism. Then we'll move into comparison, competition, critique and the other creative forces we're taught to avoid and treat like flaws.
But let me say this clearly:
Perfectionism isn't a flaw. It's not a block. It's not something to be avoided, resisted, or overcome.
It's a force. A tool. A refined instinct that sharpens over time.
If you're in this creative game for the long run, and I know you are, your creativity deserves more than quick fixes and clever prompts.
It needs depth. Devotion. And a process that evolves with you.
Let's begin.
(Missed the original post? You can read it here)
Perfectionism is not the problem. It’s the invitation.
Most guidance speaks to getting started, to soothing fear, to pushing through a single project. There's a reason so much advice about creativity doesn't stick:
It's not built for people in this for life.
But what about those of us for whom creativity isn't a hobby or a phase but a lifelong devotion?
What about the creatives who don't opt out?
If you're going to be creating for decades, for a lifetime, you need more than motivational mantras. You need a process that evolves with you. One that honors the truth of how creative energy moves, and how skill deepens.
That's the long view. And that's where perfectionism becomes not the block, but the breakthrough.
There is a science to art.
As a creative professional you know, there is a science to art.
No matter the discipline. Music, design, fine art, illustration, writing, innovation, there is a craft beneath what appears to happen like magic to the untrained eye. And that craft has a structure. A rigor. A science.
A fine artist doesn't simply feel their way through the figure.
They study anatomy.
They understand proportion.
They know the length from elbow to wrist, shoulder to fingertips, not from guessing, but from study. From practice.
It's that deep, internalized knowledge that gives an abstract artist the ability to distort, fragment, and reimagine the body, while still allowing the viewer to feel the truth of it. That's not guessing. That's mastery.
The science is what gives the freedom shape.
The structure is what gives the energy form.
And what makes that possible? A refined eye. A cultivated standard.
That relentless devotion to getting it right. That's perfectionism.
Not as insecurity.
As respect. As discipline. As love.
Perfectionism is the edge of mastery.
It's not a sign that something is wrong with you.
It's a sign you're seeing more clearly.
You're recognizing when something isn't fully formed. And you care enough not to settle.
That's not a problem. That's your training.
That's the wisdom of thousands of hours.
Please don’t you ever stop listening to that.
It’s the tension between vision and execution, and your devotion to closing that gap.
This is what most advice in the creativity coaching realm misses:
It wants to eliminate perfectionism because sometimes it is uncomfortable.
And I get that. When you are not in mastery of your creative process, being a creative can feel like a hot mess. The burnout, being stuck, the worry of never finding flow again. The fear of not making an impact with your work, the feeling of not being seen. And the hopelessness that can come from wondering if you’ll ever be able to be successful at doing what you love. It’s HARD. It would make sense that most guidance around the creative process would be to eliminate discomfort, even at a cost.
But for creatives committed to their craft, perfectionism is not a flaw to eliminate. It's a language to learn.
Perfectionism is not the problem. Resistance is.
And that’s what most conventional advice is telling you to do, to resist. When we resist our perfectionism, when we treat it like a flaw, we block the flow of creative energy.
Creativity is energy. It moves when we're open.
It gets stuck when we brace, avoid, or push away.
Perfectionism is energy with direction. It's your system saying:
"This matters. Let's get it right."
That voice deserves to be heard, not silenced.
Because perfectionism isn't about being flawless.
It's about honoring form, integrity, resonance.
It's about knowing what your work is capable of and not letting it fall short.
That's not neurotic. That's devotion.
That’s being a creative.
Lean into your perfectionism.
Yes. Lean into it.
Not recklessly. Not without support.
But with curiosity, respect, and structure.
Because here's the truth that no one wants to say out loud:
Most of what's called "perfectionism" in creative blocks?
Isn't perfectionism at all. It's fear.
The fear of being seen. Of failing. Of outgrowing your own work.
And unless you're willing to work directly with that fear, blaming perfectionism won't do a damn thing to get you unstuck.
We've been horribly misled.
Perfectionism isn't the enemy.
It's the part of you that still believes excellence is possible.
That instinct will serve you, for a lifetime.
Creativity is not a phase. This is your life.
If you’ve ever wished you could walk away from your creativity, just for a little while, you’re not alone. I once pursued an entire master’s degree, completed 3,000 + hours of clinical training, passed two state exams, and earned a professional license…all in an effort to see if I could live a less creative life. Do I regret becoming a therapist? Not at all. It makes me insanely good at what I do now. But I do find it funny now that I ever believed I wasn’t an artist.
Many of us have felt that. But we come back. Because this is not something we do once, or for five years, or ten.
This is something we are.
So the tools we build must be able to hold us for a lifetime.
They must evolve with us, expand with us, deepen over time.
This is the work I do.
Not how to bypass fear, or outsmart your perfectionism.
But how to build a creative process that can hold you. When you're clear, and when you're lost.
When you're certain, and when you're questioning everything.
Because you will question everything. You’re creative. That's the deal.
xxx
Lisa
Contemplations
What is your perfectionism actually asking for and are you willing to listen to it without judgment or resistance?
Can you recall a time when your perfectionism protected your work and helped you hold out for something better? What did it teach you?
Where have you confused perfectionism with fear? What would change if you separated the two?
What would it feel like to see your critical eye as evidence of devotion instead of dysfunction?
Next up: We'll talk about comparison. Why it’s my absolute favorite skill. How to work with it, not against it. And why it’s the key to finding your distinct creative voice.
Comments for this post are for paid subscribers only, but you can let me know what you think about perfectionism in Notes. Tag me
and let’s start a conversation.THE CREATIVE
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope, Every Day a Word Surprises Me, and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Oftentimes we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
“Be a good steward of your gifts.” - Jane Kenyon
Care for what is already within you.
Stewardship is not about control. It’s not about mastery. It’s about relationship. To be a good steward of your gifts is to tend to them, to respect their evolution, and to create the conditions they need to thrive.
This is true whether you are tending to a painting, a business, a team, or a movement. Our creative gifts, just like our leadership, require our presence. Our attention. Our belief. And our willingness to hold both the power and the fragility of what we’ve been entrusted with.
When I think of stewardship in the context of creativity, I think of rhythm over routine. I think of checking in, not checking off. I think of making space, not just to create, but to listen to the creative process as it unfolds.
This kind of listening is a skill every leader must cultivate. Whether you’re leading a studio, a team, a project, or a conversation, your creative leadership is defined not just by what you produce, but by how you hold space for others and yourself within the process.
To be a creative leader is to be a steward of energy, vision, and direction. It means modeling what care looks like, especially when stakes are high. It means protecting time for inquiry and rest, even in environments that reward speed. And it means knowing that just because we can push through doesn’t always mean we should.
Your creative gifts are part of your leadership. They shape the way you solve problems, hold ambiguity, and inspire those around you. Stewarding them with intention allows you to lead from a place of depth, not depletion.
In practice, stewardship as a creative leader often looks like leading from overflow rather than depletion. It means recognizing that your capacity to serve, guide, and inspire deepens when you are nourished, not exhausted. It’s protecting the spark, whatever that looks like for you, whether it’s solitude, collaboration, curiosity, or play, and making space for that spark to be sustained, not squeezed out by constant output. Good leadership also means shaping a creative culture, not just delivering results. The way you move through your own process, attuned, ethical, and transparent, sets the tone for everyone around you. And at the heart of it all is reverence. Your gifts are not a transaction. They are a relationship. The more you honor them, the more clearly and confidently you can lead from them.
Kenyon’s words remind us: being a good steward of our gifts doesn’t always look like output. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like space. Sometimes it looks like saying no when the world expects yes.
Leadership asks us to show up again and again with clarity, conviction, neutrality, and care. Creativity shows us how to do that in a way that’s honest, flexible, and human.
So, I ask you:
How are you caring for your gifts, especially the ones that fuel your leadership?
Where might you need more protection, more space, or more reverence?
And what could change if you led from a place of stewardship instead of striving?
NEW MOON
4-27-25
Taurus
Gate 27
Gate of Caring
The Energy of Nurturing and Abundant Care
The New Moon on April 27, 2025, in Taurus invites us to connect deeply with themes of stability, nurturing, and the creation of abundance. Taurus, the grounded and sensuous Earth sign, governs this lunar phase, emphasizing the importance of cultivating security, appreciating life’s pleasures, and building lasting foundations. This celestial event occurs in the 2nd House, highlighting self-worth, values, and the resources that sustain us.
Ruled by Venus, Taurus reminds us to slow down, savor the present moment, and invest our energy in what truly matters. This New Moon inspires us to plant seeds of intention that support our growth, prosperity, and the well-being of those we care for. It encourages us to align with our values and make choices that reflect both practicality and heartfelt intention.
Paired with Gate 27, The Gate of Caring, this New Moon amplifies the energy of nurturing and responsibility. Gate 27 in Human Design is all about providing care, support, and sustenance to those around us. It highlights the importance of recognizing what needs tending—whether it’s our own well-being, the needs of others, or the foundations we’re building for the future. Gate 27 challenges us to strike a balance between giving and receiving, ensuring that our nurturing efforts do not lead to burnout but instead create sustainable and reciprocal relationships.
This New Moon in Taurus and Gate 27 invites us to nurture ourselves and others with intention and love. It’s a time to reflect on how we care for our bodies, minds, and spirits, as well as how we create a supportive and abundant environment for those we hold dear.
Journal Prompts to Align with the Energy of the New Moon
Reflect on your nurturing energy: How do you care for yourself and others? Are there areas where you can provide more support or where you need to set boundaries to avoid overextending yourself?
Focus on your foundations: What areas of your life need attention and care to feel more stable and abundant? How can you nurture these areas with practical and loving actions?
Align with your values: What truly matters to you in life? How can you ensure that your actions and choices reflect your deepest values and desires?
Explore sustainable giving: How do you balance giving with receiving? Are there ways you can create more reciprocity in your relationships and endeavors?
Curious about how this nurturing energy aligns with your unique Human Design and cosmic influences? Schedule a reading with me to uncover personalized insights that can help you cultivate a life of balance, abundance, and meaningful care.
SOLAR TRANSIT
4-28-25
Gate 24
Gate of Rationalization
On April 28, the sun gracefully traverses Gate 24, known as the Gate of Rationalization. Gate 24, beckons us to explore the realms of rationalization and silence, as we are reminded of the profound wisdom found in the pauses of life. Embracing the sanctity of stillness amidst the cacophony of existence, we unlock the potential for inspiration and transformation to flourish in the delicate space between giving and receiving. Let us honor this celestial transit by delving deep into our inner realms, cultivating patience, acceptance, and a deep reverence for the mysteries that unfold in the silence.
To experience the expansive energy of Gate 24, embrace the sanctity of silence, particularly during periods of mental unrest. Immersion in your own energy becomes paramount as an opportunity to luxuriate in the discomfort of uncertainty, and to seek insights from the depths of not knowing. Ritual may be comforting during this transit as grounding yourself in the steady known can open up receivership to patience and acceptance of the gifts of the unknown.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on a recent moment when you found solace in silence. What insights or inspirations arose during that time of stillness?
2. Explore any tendencies you may have to avoid silence or fill it with noise. What underlying emotions or beliefs might be driving this behavior?
3. Consider a situation where you struggled to find balance between giving and receiving. How can you cultivate a greater sense of equilibrium in your interactions and relationships?
4. Imagine yourself immersed in a moment of pure stillness and uncertainty. How can you embrace this discomfort as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery during the transit of Gate 24?
Want to Know How This Transit Impacts You Personally?
Download your FREE Human Design Chart today and get access to my HD Starter Kit including two free exclusive guides to help you tap into your creative flow and navigate life with mindfulness and ease.
The 6 Gifts Workbook – Discover gentle teachings on energy, trust, and creativity, journal prompts to help you reflect and integrate, a deeper awareness of how your design already supports your work and wellbeing.
The 5 Pillars Guide – Discover a clear overview of the five core components in every Human Design chart, creative + leadership-focused reflections, space to notice your own patterns and begin connecting the dots, and a gentle bridge to deeper personalization.
Understanding your chart and the impact of the Gates can unlock powerful insights for this transit and beyond. Download your chart now and start your journey of self-discovery and creative empowerment!
SOLAR TRANSIT
5-3-25
Gate 2
The Gate of the Direction of Self
On May 3, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 2, also known as the Gate of the Direction of Self, marking a celestial shift that beckons you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. Gate 2 extends an invitation, offering a unique opportunity to delve deep into your inner realm, with a specific focus on understanding the direction you choose for yourself.
This gate acts as a catalyst, inspiring contemplation on what aspects of your life are working well and what can be energized moving forward. It encourages you to avoid getting stuck or fearful of limiting beliefs and ancestral stories. Instead, view challenges and obstacles as opportunities for ingenuity and creativity, transforming the narrative of scarcity into one of resourcefulness and self-directed empowerment.
The key to elevating this energy lies in identifying the specific requirements in which your self-directed journey can thrive.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Explore the link between the direction you choose for yourself, your innate creative capacity, and the boundaries you set.
2. Recall moments of peak creativity in your life. Reflect on how these instances can guide the direction you choose for yourself and how to recreate conditions for unlocking your creative potential.
3. Consider the concept of establishing fair self-directed systems and structures. Identify areas needing balance and how your creativity can contribute to creating systems aligned with your authentic values.
4. Explore conditions, environments, or rituals that enhance your self-directed creative process. How can you intentionally create a space nurturing your unique creative energy during this transit?
Next week I’m doing a deep dive on my favorite creative skill that people love to hate on, comparison. It’s such a good thing. Join me next week on why the thing you’ve been wrongfully advised to avoid is actually the key to your growth.
Inside this week’s These Three Things:
What a kaleidoscope of butterflies (thank you
), a closed door, and a bench in the shadows reminded me about naming your people, noticing what’s immovable, and staying ready when the spotlight isn’t yours. Yet.These weekly reflections are where I share what I’m noticing beneath the surface, where creative resilience, emotional awareness, and lived experience intersect.
These Three Things is available for paid subscribers only. A quiet, focused space for thoughtful prompts, honest process, and building a reflective creative rhythm.
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