When Perfectionism Isn’t Perfect
Disclaimer: I am not a perfectionist. So what I am about to say may be viewed as an attempt to validate my own imperfect efforts. This is not my intent. I believe we are called to pursue excellence in everything we do. And I do my fair share of sweating over the many tiny details of my work. I really do want to get it right. So, with that in mind…
Perfectionism can lack heart. I once read a story about a man who built a robot to serve him. In the course of time, the robot observed its masters love of music. On night, while the master slept, the robot taught itself how to play the piano. Possessing a computer brain, it downloaded music theory and programmed its fingers to form chords and play scales. Of course, as a machine, it was able to do this flawlessly. Upon completing its programming, the robot began to play. The master heard the music and came to investigate. He listened to his favorite piece of music played with perfection, yet he was not moved because the robot had no heart. Though flawless in its execution of the art, the robot could not replicate that human component that touches the emotions.
Perfectionism can become an impenetrable wall. I have met incredibly talented artists who wanted to share their art with the world but did not because it was never complete. There was always that one verse that was not quite right. There was always that one part of a scene that needed to be tweaked just a little more. There was always that one part of the picture that needed a little better shading or a different color. Ironically, their amazing talent had become an amazing curse. Every artists knows the weak parts of their craft. Some cannot set their art free to the world unless those weaknesses are made perfectly right. The irony here is perfectionists are not perfect. They may be excellent, but they will always find one more thing that needs to be corrected. And so many wonderful books, songs, paintings, and sculptures will remain in the workshop and never make it to the stage.
And now a word to those who enjoy our art: By all means, continue to expect us to do our best, but please remember we are human. We don’t mind you pointing out our mistakes. In fact, we welcome it because we do want to get it right. But also consider how hard it is to put our craft out there on the stage for all the world to see. Our creations are like our children. We want you to enjoy them, imperfect though they may be.
