Getting Out of My Own Way: How AI Tools Help This Perfectionist Creator Make Progress
This past week, I had a few dilemmas with catching up on my work. Life circumstances and busyness brought some on, while others....well, let's just say PERCTIONISM or PROCRASTINATION. Someone just told me, "Kaneen, it doesn't have to be so perfect." Ugh...How dare you!! Could you imagine the look on my face? I stared at them with a long blank expression (LOL).
I’m a Virgo—the sign of perfection. We know the world isn’t perfect, but that’s our kryptonite. Personally, I live by the motto: “One and done.” Do it right (or should I say perfectly) the first time, and you’ll never have to touch it again—or at least not too many times. It’s a beautiful dream, isn’t it?
But here’s the twist: that mindset, as comforting as it is, can actually be a roadblock. Turns out, the relentless pursuit of perfection is a fantastic way to stall learning, productivity, and progress. Because when you’re always aiming for flawless, you’re less likely to embrace the messy, imperfect process of growth. So here I am, learning to let go (well, a little), and realizing that progress sometimes means embracing a few imperfections along the way.
But thank God for tools such as Grammarly, ChatGPT, Copilot, and many others (including therapy), which helped me get out of my own way.
You Are Good Enough, and So Are Your Ideas
As a writer—and an unapologetic Virgo perfectionist—I’ve always taken pride in doing things right the first time. And, when it's right, I love to say, "I told you so." It's not a good thing to brag about—it's one of my flaws of wanting to be flawless. I believed that if I could just make every line flawless, I’d save myself from the dreaded process of revisions. But over time, I started to notice that this obsession with perfection was actually slowing me down in every area of my life. Instead of moving forward, I’d get stuck in a loop of endless tweaks, revisions, and hesitations, paralyzed by the idea that my work wasn’t “good enough” to be shared.
ChatGPT and other AI tools. At first, I was skeptical. How could an AI help me, a perfectionist, achieve my standards without compromising on quality? But I decided to give it a try—and it was a game-changer. By helping me brainstorm ideas, generate initial drafts, and overcome writer’s block, ChatGPT has allowed me to make real progress without getting trapped by perfectionism.
In this article, I’ll share how tools like ChatGPT help me—and other perfectionists—get out of our own way, make meaningful progress, and redefine success.
1. The Perfectionist’s Trap: When “Good Enough” Feels Like Failure
For a perfectionist, anything less than perfect can feel like failure. We overthink every word, rework every sentence, and worry about every detail. This constant pursuit of flawless work often leads to procrastination, burnout, and missed deadlines. Instead of focusing on progress, we get caught up in small details that might not even matter to the end reader.
What AI Tools Bring to the Table: ChatGPT and similar AI tools help break this cycle by providing a starting point. When I’m stuck or second-guessing myself, ChatGPT can generate a rough draft or suggest ideas that I can then build on. It’s not perfect—and that’s the point. It gives me a framework to work with, helping me realize that perfection doesn’t have to be the goal from the beginning.
2. Embracing Progress Over Perfection with AI Tools
Using ChatGPT, I’ve learned to focus on making progress rather than achieving perfection in every draft. Now, when I feel the pull of perfectionism, I start with ChatGPT to kickstart my process. It’s like having a brainstorming partner who doesn’t judge. The AI helps me get words on the page without my inner critic immediately jumping in.
Small Wins, Big Impact: For instance, I might use ChatGPT to draft a few introductory lines, which often helps me overcome the initial writer’s block. From there, I can refine and polish. These small wins make a big difference; they create momentum that keeps me moving forward instead of getting bogged down in the details.
3. How AI Helps Me Break Free from Writer’s Block
One of the most valuable aspects of using ChatGPT as a perfectionist writer is its ability to help me get unstuck. When I’m staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed by the need for “the perfect opening sentence,” ChatGPT provides a nudge in the right direction. It gives me something—anything—to work with, which is often enough to break the paralysis of perfectionism.
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Example: I might ask ChatGPT to generate ideas on a topic I’m working on. It doesn’t mean I’ll use every suggestion, but it helps me see different angles, giving me a fresh perspective. Often, I’ll find myself thinking, “Okay, that’s not exactly what I want to say, but it sparks an idea.” Just like that, I’m out of my own way and back to creating.
4. Balancing Perfectionism with Practicality: Setting Boundaries for AI Use
Of course, as much as ChatGPT helps me move forward, I’m mindful of its limitations. Relying too heavily on AI can make my work feel less authentic or compromise my unique voice. To maintain balance, I use ChatGPT as a tool for ideation and structure, but I don’t expect it to do all the heavy lifting. I still refine, edit, and make it my own.
Being Mindful of Security, Compliance, and the Power of Conversation: In environments where security and compliance are paramount, it’s essential to be mindful of how we use AI tools. While ChatGPT and similar platforms can be incredibly helpful, we must ensure that sensitive information remains protected. In these settings—and really, in any professional environment—conversations with colleagues and mentors can be just as valuable as any AI tool.
When you’re feeling stuck, sometimes the best way forward is to reach out, share ideas, and gather fresh perspectives from others. Conversations can spark new insights, uncover solutions, and help you see a path forward that you might not have considered on your own. And if the answer doesn’t come immediately, don’t be afraid to step back, take a moment, and gather your thoughts. Often, clarity comes from giving yourself the space to pause and reflect.
Remember: moving forward isn’t always about having every tool at your disposal; sometimes, it’s about leaning on the power of connection, collaboration, and perspective.
5. Advice for Fellow Perfectionists: Embrace Imperfection and Trust That You Are Enough
If you’re a fellow perfectionist, especially in a creative or technical role, here’s what I’ve learned: AI can be your ally, but only if you’re willing to let go of the need for immediate perfection. Use tools like ChatGPT or Copilot to help you break through blocks, generate ideas, and get started. Treat AI as a collaborator, not a replacement, and allow yourself to embrace “good enough” as a starting point.
You—and your ideas—are good enough. Perfection isn’t a requirement for progress, and you don’t need to have every detail worked out to start making a difference. AI can be a helpful tool, but at the end of the day, what you bring to the table is already valuable.
Practical Tips to Keep Going:
When you’re feeling unsure, remind yourself that progress is powerful, and what you have to offer is already good enough. Keep going, keep creating, and trust that your contributions are valuable.
Conclusion: Progress and Growth Over Perfection
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword—especially for writers. While it drives us to produce high-quality work, it can also hold us back from progress. ChatGPT and other AI tools have taught me that sometimes, getting out of my own way is the best path forward. By focusing on progress over perfection, I’ve become more productive, creative, and open to new ideas.
For anyone struggling with perfectionism, especially in a fast-evolving world of AI, remember: progress is a powerful form of success. And sometimes, “good enough” really is good enough.
How do you overcome perfectionism in your work of life in general? I would love to hear some of the ways you've overcome perfection and embrace progress in the comments below!