Being an artist is no easy life, let's face it. There are many avenues of stress that seem to all point in our direction. Let's give ourselves a break and stop chasing perfection.
Repeat after me: There is no such thing as perfect
A perfect 10. 5 out of 5 stars. An instant classic. Yeah, right.
We always aim to create good work and secretly hope to create great work. There's nothing wrong with that. The problem is that underneath these aims can be something harmful in that it is entirely unrealistic - a longing for achieving perfection.
My three favourite movies of all time are: Casablanca, Roman Holiday and In the Mood for Love.
Each of these films are revered as cinematic masterpieces, and have received decades of rave reviews from generations of humanity.
What do Casablanca, Roman Holiday and In the Mood for Love have in common?
They are all classics.
And they all fall short of perfection.
Let me explain. Casablanca features dialogue so great that books have been written about it, but then there is the wooden, uninspired cinematography in many places. Roman Holiday is one of the most magical and romantic 'what if' scenarios ever conceived, yet contains over 20 continuity errors! And it hurts me the most to say this: In the Mood for Love, while entirely compelling, gives us a bizarre and unsatisfying third act.
But you know what? I don't care. These are still my favourite three films, ever! And most audiences agree that they are great films. Just don't say they are perfect.
So for all the love in the world, please don't hoist an expectation of perfection upon your shoulders. It simply isn't possible.
Go and do your project work. You are going to make mistakes but it's okay. We all do.