From One Recovering Perfectionist To Another . . . | Tea Time With KM

[@calliegrace98]

I really needed this. My parents have never been very supportive about my writing which is a big part of why I didn’t start taking myself seriously until recently. I’m so glad I found this writing community. I finally feel like myself and happy with who I am.

[@hirrorstories]

Caroline Price same here. i am so happy to join this community. like i even feared to follow other writers. perfectionism is a devil

[@daizchalkx8490]

“If I had waited until everything was ‘perfect’ in my eyes, none of this would be happening, you wouldn’t be watching this video.” Powerful stuff. I know I’m going to be revisiting these recent videos of yours many times in the future. Love how playful and jokey you were in this video too. GATHER ROUND - hilarious!! You’re killin it, Kristen!

[@jobe2301]

👏👏👏👏 The worst thing about perfectionism is that it can actually cripple you and keep you from being/doing your best!! Ironic!

[@christianshipp2701]

Thank you. THANK YOU! You have no idea how much I needed this right now. I have been trying to write my book for two years now. I am getting ready for Nanowrimo again. I failed last year. I just didn't have enough confidence in myself. Watching your videos and listening to the advice you give has really helped me, not only as a writer, but also as a person. Also, I just bought Shadow Crown yesterday and I CAN NOT wait to read it! One day, I will be a bestselling author, too.

[@cmartin4918]

Thank you for you time and message! I have suffered from perfection and found that I could overcome that when I figured out that nothing is perfect and that I needed to start somewhere.

[@tan_the_man]

I know this is a few weeks old. But I really need this!! I'm totally changing a lot of things in my life, getting rid of old habbits and trying to get an early start. But I reach for perfection even though I need to take little steps to get over the habbits I've had with bad time for years. Thank you!! This was so needed!

[@johnxzoneph109]

First!

[@Watchwoman_91]

I could not have watched this at a better time. My short story collection is going to be released in 9 minutes, and there are very little things that I am focusing on that aren't perfect! I need to focus on the excitement that it's even happening! Thank you!!

[@arabellaarabella8840]

It's funny that when I first started watching you, I wasn't sure your channel was for me because you seem to be too "perfect". Luckily, I watched your productive habits video and it was super helpful. I now listen to you as I get dressed, make breakfast, etc and it puts me in the "perfect" mood to get to writing. I'm energized and focused and full of creative fuel. Writing a to-do the night before is genius. Love your channel and recommend it all the time.

[@alisonf.haring3411]

Awesome video Kristen! Perfectionism can feel like a good thing most of the time when really it can be the very thing holding you back. I love how you're approaching this matter, promoting self-love and acceptance. I love your positivity :) thanks for this tea time vid =)

[@audreydenholm8615]

Recovering perfectionist! Love this term! Such an amazing follow on from our chats in Bali - thank you for putting yourself out there and not being perfect, and for your advice that it doesn't need to be perfect - much love, A x

[@journeytofull-timewriter3694]

Why am I just now finding this video. I so needed this. Thanks for the motivation Kristen.

[@paleprincessxoxo]

I struggle so much with this, especially with my writing. Thank you for the encouraging video.

[@mckenziestaley9063]

Such a great video! Perfectionism is such a hard thing to stop listening to.

[@GoodChords1]

Love the tea time idea. :) The “good enough” rule is so important. Otherwise you’ll be writing to other people’s’ expectations, which is almost never good. For the record, your old drawings weren’t bad. Definitely A or B worthy in art class.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Michael La Ronn Thank you! 😅 I appreciate that!

[@shannonsharpstory]

Such great advice! It’s amazing when my “good enough” turns out to be someone else’s perfect! And remembering the good I’ve done always keeps me going even if I’m not completely satisfied with my work. Thanks, Kristen. 🙂👍🏻

[@EmilynWood]

I'm drinking tea while watching this video.

[@teresabeasley5241]

Kristen I'm really enjoying the Tea time videos. It helps when you realize your not alone in how you think about yourself and what your pursuing.

[@MargheritaMar87]

LOOOOOOOVE YOUR CONTENT!!! Brava Kristen! It would be very interesting to see how you plan your week and how you use your planner. Have fun in Bali! Looking forward to your next video!

[@jos6795]

This is my problem exactly!! So happy this subject came up. It's funny... I had no inclination that this was the root of all my issues!

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

Thank you so much for this video! It really helps! Very inspirational!

[@laurafoster327yt]

This is my problem with my current novel idea. I keep thinking about it from the perspective of the reader, worrying that readers will say things like, "That doesn't make sense" or "This is cliche, it's the same idea as X". I started this novel idea years ago, and I feel like if I had just written it from start to finish it way back then, I'd at least have something to work with. I've rewritten the first 3-4 chapters about a dozen times now. I keep changing the ending before I even get to it. Part of me thinks I should try writing something else (that doesn't involve world building and magic).

[@alwysBprepared]

I loved this video. This is totally me I am always waiting for the perfect scenario or to make something perfect before I share it and it is always holding me back.

[@marwarochay]

Ah ! Perfectionism... It has prevented me so many times from doing things that I wanted. Thank you for this inspiring video. I definitely have to work on this issue.

[@thebrothersepps6274]

This is such an encouraging video! We've been creating the “perfect book” for years and we've just recently started putting our work out into the universe. Thanks for the good vibes👍.

[@joshliam1967]

Love this topic! Only way I can write a first draft at all is accepting that it's not going to be perfect, or even close to perfect the first time. Giving myself permission to write something that I know isn't good enough is so important, that way even though it will never be perfect I can at least work on make it closer to what I see as the ideal. Thanks for posting this!

[@kevinandrew2]

Thanks a lot for this video!

[@dustycates8933]

Kristen, your abosolutely right I'm a professionist and I'm trying to be bc all my life like U. I've wanted to be perfect. Even in my writing, it has to be well done and not sloppy. Or I would rewrite the entire thing all over again. It was crazy, but I'm trying to work on it. Not to mention, not to doubt myself all the time. Thanks for sharing this video, your awesome for doing this!

[@ElizabethLHill]

Thanks Kristen x

[@WriteHollyDavis]

Always rockin that wisdom! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@TheRuckusor16]

I love this! I also used to play with my dad's old camcorder. 😍

[@michalehess2178]

Thanks for a great advice. Yes, I am doing okay with my writing.

[@kwasib-r2434]

When I write I always get paranoid of certain things like are my main character's likable, is the pacing too fast or too slow, how do I write character development and many more problems that probably aren't as bad as I think they are

[@j_maynard]

I can totally relate to everything you chose to talk about today for I deal with the same criticism for I have to remind my self that if things are good enough for me then I should be happy what I make as long i put my best effort not my perfect effort in my WIP. Definitely reminding myself to try to always look for the positive is a new habit i've just recently adaptive to help myself remove the toxicities in my life. Thanks for your words Kristen.

[@authoralyssaclay]

So funny! My sister and I used to film news updates and castings as well as dance competitions with our Barbie dolls... so relatable! 😂💕

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Alyssa Clay YASSSS 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 On the same level 😍🤣

[@jreadsjwrites9629]

This is really helpful!!!! Would you consider doing an updated video about balancing another career with writing ? I work in education and sometimes the pressure to feel perfect at work and perfect when writing has gotten the best of me😕

[@EvieReddingWrites]

I still struggle with this so much. I think I may do a video in order to hold myself accountable to taking action to become someone who’s best effort is good enough. I do have a “feel-good folder” on my computer with feedback, notes and compliments on my writing, job etc. that are full of positive verbal sunshine ☀️ Being content with growth (including failure) is a lesson so hard for me to apply, but this video is so uplifting...thank you.

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

For me, part of being a perfectionist is to do with dealing with anxiety, but I’ve learned to let go of the things I can’t control. I’m married to a guy who doesn’t worry about any of that kind of stuff at all so he gives me some perspective Also, I used to make endless radio shows on my tape deck. We too had a clunky camcorder and I made a few documentaries and vlogs

[@felixallover]

Thanks, this is great advice for the upcoming Nano!

[@brianbowen3200]

I am actually a perfectionist, but some read my books and they think I'm not. The thing is people do not understand that I write because I want to reach everyone the educated and some who may not have as much of an education.

[@andrewmurray7052]

I love this ❤💕️ I am drinking coffee while watching this 😀 I cant wait 4 your book Runaway Cruex. I tried again and again to write my own book and failed yea i tried to be a perfectionist thx for the impairing words God bless u and have a wonderful rest of the day!

[@hirrorstories]

for me it is even harder as english is not my 2nd or even 3rd language. it’s my 4th. i keep getting worried on every freaking sentence like readers will read my novel and say hey we’re not talking like that. it’s so hard i feel like an imposter🤣

[@DS-fn8ef]

yup

[@natashasanders8785]

I loved it! This was definitely what I needed to hear. I'm so inconsistent with my blog because I want it to be perfect. It's good enough. #letitgo

[@johnxzoneph109]

Thank you.

[@sarahledford370]

The description box says there's a free guide to writing your book in 3 months, but I can't find it when I click the link and look around the website. Can anyone help me out with where to find it?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Sarah Ledford A pop-up box should appear on the website. If not, scroll to the very bottom on the homepage and fill out the form there 🙂

[@sarahledford370]

@@AuthorKristenMartin Thanks, Kristen!

[@sarahledford370]

I figured it out -- the pop-up just wasn't coming up when I was viewing the website in the mobile version. Switched to desktop and it worked perfectly. 😊

[@joannaorzechowska8011]

I know it is not on topic but I love your lipstick! What is that? Also, the relaxed tea time :)

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Joanna Orzechowska Cathedral by Kat Von D ❤️❤️❤️

[@joannaorzechowska8011]

@@AuthorKristenMartin Thank you!

[@ashleyjohnson9170]

Being a recovering perfectionist has caused me to throw away almost finished manuscripts because I thought it would never be good enough. Thank you for continuing to inspire! I needed to hear all of this!

[@LiterallyUnperfect]

Ugh! My constant struggle. That's why I named my channel Literally Unperfect, I'm trying to push past the idea of being perfect and accept my imperfections because they make me unique and beautiful. I have great ideas, but perfectionism is still getting in the way of my channel and books, etc. so this was definitely helpful and inspiring. Thanks, ​Kristen!

[@ESHart]

Great video. I couldn't have said what you said any better. I am loving this tea time with you!