Oh perfectionism! Where would we be without you? This week we chat about the ways perfectionism can manifest in our lives and in our art. We consider how it might serve us and explore possible solutions for when it gets in our way. Michelle catches herself just before burnout takes hold, and Robyn convinces Michelle that she should play more video games (she’s an enabler!).

Recorded on January 20th, 2024 

Resources, references, and further exploration:

Michelle’s blog post on excellence over perfection https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/aim-for-excellence-rather-than-perfection

Michelle’s blog post on progress over perfection https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/look-for-progress-not-perfection

Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/

Shane Parrish’s book Clear Thinking https://fs.blog/clear/

Musician James Blake explaining why he enjoys playing video games https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjsr9Sq6-F8 - "I like video games because they use a different part of my brain. I think I spend so much time in the kind of creative part of my brain... it's nice to pay a visit to the other side of it and just turn the creative part off for a second.”

Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon, from the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”

“The fool, with all his other faults, has this also—he is always getting ready to live.” Seneca quoting Epicurus (source: https://dailystoic.com/dont-be-a-fool/)

Links:

Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/

Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/

Please feel free to send questions and comments to [email protected]

Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv

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Credits:

Podcast art by: Robyn Lester

Intro music by: Michelle Monette

Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette