Alternatives to Perfectionism

Practice makes perfect. It’s the mantra invoked by parents and teachers to encourage us to keep at it when we’re grinding through the discouragement of learning how to do a new thing. It’s meant to remind us that improvement is a matter of hard work and perseverance, and of what we can achieve if we stick with it.

It’s also a trap.

I’ve heard countless students, who should have been proud of how far they’ve come, express frustration and disappointment because they hadn’t reached “perfection.” Their attention is so captured by tiny flaws and flubs that they can’t hear all the progress they’ve made. 

I struggle with perfectionism, too, so I understand what they (and you) are going through. But there is hope. This time, I want to help you wriggle out of the perfectionist trap. I have five questions you can use to measure your impact, identify areas where you can improve, and appreciate how far you’ve come. 

Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California. 

Yes, you can sound better! Opt-in for a free video training on my website: https://mvmusik.com

A transcript of this episode is available at mvmusik.com/blog/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-53. You can subscribe to Can’t Wait to Hear You wherever you get podcasts. If you have a question about your voice or how you’re using it, please email letters@mvmusik.com. To learn more about Michèle or to subscribe to her newsletter, visit mvmusik.com.

Our music is thanks to Katya and Ada.

The show is edited by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media. 

Transcript