Embracing Imperfection: How Deadlines Ignite My Writer's Spirit

STOP. You're making this too complicated, I remind myself as I type away, trying to perfect my first blog post in over sixteen years.

Perfection is a myth. If I wait for my blog design, words, and sentence structure to be flawless, I will remain stuck. I must act and produce, not just think.

Bear with me as I share why a deadline for this piece has saved me from the writer's trap of endless procrastination.

To be honest, every writer has their own process; what works for one might not work for another.

How Many Fires Are Burning

All of them.

Right now, I’m facing three deadlines, all due today. You might think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. But let’s break it down. It can feel overwhelming when I truly consider everything on my plate. Being an overextender is common for many people with divergent minds.

Every writer has felt that rush of pouring their soul into a piece that may never get read.

For the love of writing, I remind myself that as I type this post, doubts creep in. My old friend, insecurity, raises her head.

Trusting in yourself and your writing is one of the most important lessons. Some readers will connect with what I write, while others won’t. That’s perfectly okay. With over 8 billion people on this planet, there’s plenty of room for different tastes and preferences.

A vibrant and creative writing space.

Deadlines can feel like a chore—like nails scraping on a chalkboard. Yet, they also spark progress and creativity.

Why Would I Do This to Myself?

With three looming deadlines, have I completed any?

I need to finish a 500-word short story, a 1300-1600 word scene for my novel, and, of course, publish this blog.

Some may call me a procrastinator. Yet, understanding how my brain operates gives me clarity.

As I manage these tasks, I remind myself that writing is more than just completing assignments; it’s about the experience, the art, and most importantly, the joy it brings. Finding joy amid overwhelming deadlines can be tough, but embracing the chaos adds to my creative journey.

Stacks of vibrant notebooks filled with ideas.

Every challenge teaches me more about my capabilities and limits. Writing is not merely a task; it’s a dance between inspiration and deadlines.

The Joy of Imperfection

Throughout my writing journey, I have discovered that greatness often resides in imperfection. For example, the first draft of anything I write serves as a rough outline for improvement later. Many dread the thought of an unfinished piece or fear judgment: “What will people think?”

Learning to embrace my imperfections has helped me grow as a writer. Those messy first drafts and imperfect ideas can lead to creative breakthroughs.

When I set a deadline, it encourages me to submit work that I may not consider “perfect” but is genuine. Choosing completion over perfection has significantly transformed my writing process.

Balancing Deadlines and Creativity

Managing multiple deadlines feels like juggling, and I won’t pretend it’s simple. Some days, creativity flows; other days, it’s like trudging through mud.

Here’s what has worked for me: breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This allows me to focus on achievable goals within my deadlines.

For instance, instead of stressing over a 1300-word scene, I aim to write just 300 words per day. This approach reduces pressure and makes writing feel both attainable and enjoyable.

Finding Your Rhythm

Ultimately, every writer has a unique approach. Discovering your rhythm is essential. Some thrive under tight deadlines, while others prefer a more relaxed pace.

Trial and error are part of every writer's journey. If you find yourself struggling, step back and reassess your process. Writing should uplift your spirit, not drain it.

As I embrace my new perspective on deadlines and imperfection, I also welcome spontaneity and playfulness in my writing. Being less rigid has opened up new pathways for creativity I never imagined.

An open notebook filled with colorful sketches and writing.

Wrapping Up

Deadlines can be daunting, but they are powerful tools that propel us in our writing journey.

As I navigate my three pressing deadlines, I remind myself that perfection is an illusion. Rather than let fear control my actions, I view perfection as a fleeting thought and embrace the creative chaos.

So the next time you worry about perfection, remember: in the act of writing, we discover who we are as writers. Trust your process, keep writing, and most importantly, have fun along the way!

Happy writing!