If you’re in the process of bringing a new project into the world—whether it’s a book, a podcast, a business, or any other creative endeavor—it’s common to feel frustration that what you are creating, at least in the beginning, doesn’t match the vision in your head.
However, instead of meaning you are bad at your craft—or that you should give up—this really just means you are doing something big and beautiful with your life, business, or art. This feeling is just part of the creative journey, and there are ways to move through it. Here are some strategies that have helped me over the years, and I hope they support you, too!
P.S. Prefer to listen? Check out Episode 156 of the Bright Life Podcast: How to Let Go of Perfectionism When Trying Something New.
The Creative Gap: Embrace the Discomfort
One of the my favorite quotes on this comes from Ira Glass, the host of This American Life. He talks about the gap that exists between our taste—the vision we have in our minds—and our ability to create something that meets that vision, especially in the early stages of a project.
This gap is normal and doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, it’s actually a sign that you have great taste and high standards for your work.
Watch his excellent 2-minute clip on this, below:
According to Glass, the discomfort you feel when your creation doesn’t match your vision is actually a GOOD thing. It means you can see the POTENTIAL for what your work can (and will one day) be. The only way to bridge this gap, however, is through repetition, practice, and continuous effort.
One Day or Day One?
My husband recently shared a quote that has stuck with me: “Is it one day or day one?” This simple question can help shift your mindset from DREAMING to DOING.
We often think about what we want to accomplish “one day,” but the real progress starts when we decide to make today “day one.” Whether you’re starting a creative project, pursuing a health goal, or planning a big life change, the key is to begin. Even if it’s messy and imperfect, day one is more important than endless dreaming, which often turns into months or years of delay.
Small, Consistent Effort: The Secret to Success
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of your vision, focus on one small, consistent action you can take. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be something you can do regularly. Whether it’s writing for 30 minutes a day, posting a 5-minute video to YouTube each week, finishing one painting per month, or showing up on social media consistently, these small efforts add up over time.
Consistency is more impactful than perfection. Think about it this way: A year of consistent, small efforts will lead to more growth and progress than a few bursts of perfect effort. The key is to choose something that’s manageable even on your worst days, not just on your best ones.
The Magic is in the Journey
Your first podcast episode, your first video, or your first draft may not be perfect, but they are the foundation on which you’ll build something amazing. Without these early, imperfect efforts, you would never reach the level of skill and confidence that allows you to create work that truly reflects your vision.
It’s easy to get frustrated when what you create doesn’t live up to your expectations. But remember, the first iteration of anything is rarely the best. We ALL look back on those first attempts and cringe a little! However, you should be so proud of that brave version of yourself trying something new even though she senses she’s not an expert at it—yet. The most important thing is that you’re creating, learning, and improving. Over time, you’ll close the gap between your vision and your ability, and you’ll produce work that you’re proud of.
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As you move forward with your creative project, choose one small action that feels doable and commit to doing it consistently. This might mean cutting your goal in half so that it feels manageable. Remember, it’s better to start small and stay consistent than to aim for perfection and burn out. Over time, these small steps will lead to big results, and you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come. 💛
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