How to cure perfectionism 

I need this in mp3 format to use it as my alarm ringtone.

I was informed that perfectionism is the highest form of self-abuse.

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” -Andy Warhol

Perfectionism is a curse that robs us of joy.

I have so many art supplies that I’ve collected and never used because I’m afraid of not doing a good enough job with them. I just decided I am going to get out something new every day and play with it and who cares if it looks good or not. I will just enjoy the process. Today I played with my art crayons. I felt like a kid! Made a mess of it. Oh well!

one thing I started doing was taking just a black pen with me when i did live sketching. No pencil and rubber.Which means I have to deal with my mistakes and just embrace them. It's been such a great experience.

I struggle with perfectionism, I was judged so harshly when I was young. I really need to calm down and relax. Thanks for the pep talk.

Done is better than perfect.

Hit the nail on the head. Perfectionism is linked to narcissism. It is fueled by the fear of shame and invalidation, and therefore a need to "control" everything, to stay still while missing out on everything.

"This is no time for perfection, this is the time for action". "Because perfection is all about a need for control". Thanks Danny for your wise and meaningful words ❤

Van Gogh struggled with perfectionism his whole life. Van Gogh. Let that one sink in. Great talk, Danny!

Yikes! This is about so much more than art. I just realized that much of my perfectionism is about being judged! I think you have given me the answer to set me free! I mean that with all sincerity. Now, that my head understands that, I need to let it go! Wow! I’m 64 years old and I never put the 2 together. Amazing, that you can have such an epiphany at my age.

You have helped me come out of my shell so much. Loved art all my life but didn’t really do much. Had the materials, had some know how, but was too worried about being judged. I’m starting to enjoy it now, and it doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect. I’m happy. And doing what I love. Thank you

As someone who struggles with perfectionism, I have never, ever, ever considered perfectionism a good thing nor a compliment. Perfectionism make me miserable, unproductive, fewrful, etc. It holds me back from being productive at work, my art, chores, etc. I need to overcome this, if I want to be successful with my life.

"We'll be perfect, when the world is perfect" So simple but so well put; this is going to stay with me.

So true! My inner critic prevents me from creating art on a daily basis. Due to some childhood trauma, my fear of failure and need to be perfect holds me back from so many things.

I’m 75. I’ve been drawing my whole life. Now I’m learning to draw like Danny Gregory. I am starting to get it. Thanks Danny!

WOW!!! That was so on point. “Perfectionism, seize it by the throat and choke it out of your life” what a statement!!! Thank you Danny so much for these golden gems. They truly touch so many of our hearts. 😊🙋🏻‍♀️

Wow Danny! You really describe me totally! I am a perfectionist and I don't say this, feeling that I'm above the rest, as a badge of honour, on the contrary, I say it acknowledging the 'curse' as I call it. My mother said to me, a few years back now but it stuck with me: "You are good at everything but you don't do anything". It hurt me deeply at the time - still does - and it hurt because it was true. That 'perfectionism' that I hide behind, masks my fears, my insecurities, my self-loathing. So it is easier to try to do something 'perfectly' because it gives me the excuse not to do, not to confront my fears, to stay passive, to take ages to complete a project. Perfectionism is a curse, not a badge of honour.

Ring the bell that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There's a crack, a crack in everything That's how the light gets in Leonard Cohen

"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." Quote, Leonard Cohen. Interpretation: the light is the oxygen, the learning, the wisdom, the joy, the getting-in-to-the-flow, and most importantly the forget-about-your-inferiour-complex-and-just-be. Thanks so much Danny for this pep talk. I really needed that. ❤🙏🙂🌞👍

Great advice. I love the idea of telling myself I will be perfect when the world is perfect. And we can't wait for the perfect treatment. Thank you.

'The monkey in your head' that makes me lough. 😂 I believe the perfectionism is a result / outcome of constant exaggerated judgments of some parents. 🤷‍♀️

Mister Gregory...if you continue to make videos like this, you may just make an effective artist out of me! ^_^ All kidding aside, I continue to be so very appreciative of your transparency and ability to speak plainly to the situation. I never considered myself a perfectionist...but the longer I listened the more I realized that you were describing the very issue that has held me paralyzed for so very long. I used to love drawing when I would draw simply for the purpose of drawing. But once I discovered RU-vid and began comparing myself to what everyone else can do, I dove deep into a well of 'never being good enough' and always having to learn more, do better, be better, know how to draw everything..."Comparison is the thief of joy."-Theodore Roosevelt said. He was more right than he knew. I've wasted a good 10 years of my drawing life. Thank you Danny. I only wish I had discovered you 10 years ago and saved myself the heartbreak. Now I draw for the joy, for the experience, for the discovery, because sometimes it's easier to illustrate than to describe. Thanks for helping me Danny. God Bless You.

I am cautious first born and have always wanted to do the “right” thing. I think after thinking it through I don’t want to make a mistake. These words spoke to me on a deep level. To hear someone talk it all out and almost give permission to just BE who you are at this moment speaks freedom to me! Thank you for your timely words and encouragement to JUST DO IT ALREADY!! Your time is NOW. GET CREATING!! Thank you 😊

i think you cracked some part of my rock solid brain when you said we'll be perfect when the world is perfect

Just what I needed today (I started a brand new sketchbook - eek!). Thank you, Danny.

What would be perfect is having Danny stand over me and make me draw. Now. Today. No excuses. Go. Do it.

Thank you for giving a name and a body and expression to this immobilizing fear of perfection

"That's BS" Well, you got my attention! This is a great pep talk and you make excellent points. I have saved this video to watch when I feel stuck/picking at my art.

Lately I'm trying to master the art of not being a jerk to myself (in part since it actually causes me to be more of a jerk to others as well), but it doesn't help much when you hang around people who put you down and try to wreck your self-esteem all the time anyway.

Oh this is so important!! It's what kills my creativity when it comes to drawing, and I know plenty other people who feel the same way. For me the hardest thing is the disappointment and even embarrassment when I don't manage to transfer EXACTLY what I see in my head onto paper. Thanks for making this video, it reminded me that my drawing is for me and not some invisible audience in my head :)

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT I must listen twice or three times because I don't understand all, but I can say that perfectionnism is a bad thing in process of creating because the judge on the mind does't allow the freshness of creating, and I really thig that the process the better for create is to be our best friend and make a good team with the hand te mind and the heart. Just have the pleasure and measure the chance to draw is a gift on this hearth. Sorry I'm french and beiing student on art school twenty years ago I think that the path is to get rid of luggage that limit the access to creativity, judgment, references, to be "in" or "has been". Thank you and take care. I appreciate your sharing always sincere and kind. It help a lot of people, I'm sure.

Blimey I almost didn’t write anything on in the comments because I was criticising what I was going to say! Perfectionism was not allowing me to criticise my perfectionism - that’s it I’m going to smash it thanks to this video! Thanks to all the comments that are on here they’ve also helped me - I am I’ve been not doing my art for 35 years - Loved art as a kid had natural talent - anyway what I’ve written isn’t perfect and doesn’t describe it all but what the heck I’ll press send - hopefully a drawing / painting will come out of this process tomorrow !!!!

I just came across this video and I SO needed to hear this! I used to love to sketch but let my perfectionism stop me from creating. Even when others praised my art I would be very hard on myself. Thank you for these encouraging words.

It's as Joel Salatin says about how perfectionism can ruin efficiency: good enough is perfect.

The timing of me listening to this is perfect. I was skeptical, but did a vocal recording of a song I wrote years ago and shared it with a small group of musical friends. My vocal health hasn't been the greatest and my guitar playing is subpar to most of them, but I've wanted to share the song for a long time and was pleasantly surprised when I did it. Flaws and all. Your video is encouraging and confirmation that we don't have to be perfect and will miss out on opportunities if that's all we look for. Thank you.

When he said "It's better to not move at all than to risk falling on ur face" It hit hard bc I can relate to this so much n I rlly want to be able to overcome it😢

You have put into words exactly how I feel all of the time. It almost brought tears to my eyes. My dad is an artist and an extreme perfectionist and i struggle to do my art because of him. You are so honest and speak about the struggles I have been having for years that I didn’t think anyone would understand. Thank you so much. I am determined to taken on board what you are saying and change my thought process and my life. :)

Sir, besides Scott Robertson's 'How to draw' and 'How to render', your videos have been the biggest help I could get in my re-discovery of art, and just the confirmation I needed to keep making my ugly doodles until they stop being ugly, or even doodles.

I just bought a small sketchbook, brought it with me on my bike, and sat down in the park to sketch. It was liberating. I ignored the habit of thought called "perfectionism" with all of its fear and judgment, turning instead to the thoughts of joy. I seek to make that my habit of thought now. Your channel played a part in this monumental shift. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for sharing this message and being vulnerable with us

this is such a beautiful, necessary and eloquent message.

Thank you for this speech. Probably the most true I ever heard on the subject.

This is genuinely inspirational while at the same time it's extremely helpful from a practical perspective. Thanks for making this video!

Even the birds echoed your sentiment!!! I needed to hear this.... Bless you! Keep the great videos coming! Eternally grateful. 🙏🏽

The best video I've seen recently. Thank you 🙏

Wow, this really hit home. This is therapy. Thank you.

Very kind words in the view of an uncertain today. Really appreciate it

You punched me straight into my very heart. It hurts but nothing hurts more than truth. Thank you!

This found me at a great moment in my life's story. Thank you for posting this. Thank you for speaking so candidly. I appreciate you.

Wow! I think I need to watch this every morning - so profound!

Thank you so much for this ❤️ what an awesome video, love it!!!

Luv this man. Protect him at all costs

This made me cry...in a good way. Thank you.

Wow! I needed to hear this - someone else understands! - I'm getting teary eyed.

This was an inspiring and accurate video. I have always tried to write and draw perfect and that just sucks out the enjoyment out of doing those things. I really needed this, thankyou!

This video saved my degree!! I was on the brink of failure because of perfectionism. Thanks so much Danny!

Great video Danny! You help so many of us. Which is so great because whether we like it or not we really are just one big family. ❤

You are a wise and insightful person. Thank you for this!

Wow… I soooo needed this swift kick… and I am gonna replay every day until I learn to live it !… 😊 thank you

Thank you for your vulnerability and wonderful service to many.I am someone who can't draw. Your video on that is setting me free to get out of my head and draw no matter what. So appreciate you!

THANK YOU!!!! It was exactly what I needed to hear in all areas of my life .

This video is a treasure trove of wisdom, and is worth more than a mountain of gold!

This was the gentle roast I needed 😅 big thank you!

THANK YOU for making this video!! I needed this!

Thank you for your insight and encouragement. Always so helpful and inspiring!! God bless you! I too have a ton of unused supplies because I let that perfectionism get in the way, but no more, used they will be and each stroke, however good or bad, will be a learning opportunity.

You are brilliant at the things you do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Wow I didn't realize how much I needed to hear this, I'm so afraid of being judged in a bad way that I literally stop por sabotage myself.

Whenever I need encouragement to keep practicing, to not allow self doubt to stop me from making art- I go into RU-vid and listen to one of your videos. Thank- You so much !

Very true of perfectionism. It also robs you of empathy. And empathy is a key trait of emotionally intelligent people and it's proven they are the most successful and happy people. Perfectionism stagnates you life and prevents you from moving forward and destroys creativity. Ouch. It just hurts you.

Glad you plunge in! Please keep doing it? Xx

Thank you!! I needed this

“The only other way is to just keep going…” Thank you. Incredible video and content. You are a healer.

Danny, you have appeared in my life at just the right time!

Damn, man... you're precisely what the whole world needs. Keep it coming so we can thrive. Thank you.

You make a lot of sense Danny. At the risk of sounding defeatist, avolition can really throw a spanner in the works when coupled with perfectionism, but you've made me feel like forcing myself to draw & paint, not because I don't want to, I love it, though I'm not all that good, but because the satisfaction of actually completing something will be amazing. Thanks once again

Danny, I feel like I was listening to you talk to me through a video call than watching a RU-vid video. The points and anecdotes that you have touched upon about perfectionism has answered the questions and frustrations that I have had towards my perfectionism. I believe that I might have to watch this video from time-to-time to remind myself that it is okay to keep trying, failing, and eventually becoming grateful towards what I have made with my art and the growth from pushing through and being kind to myself. Thank you for your channel where you share your art, wisdom, and vulnerability.

Thank you so much for sharing your honesty.

Thank you. So much for your video. I just discovered your channel. I watched several and feel much more hopeful! God bless you for sharing!

So well said Danny I think we can all relate to this it's so inspiring. Thank you!

Thank you, Danny, for inspiring me to begin again and to challenge my perfectionist creative paralysis.

Wow. This really hit home. Thank you 🙏🏻

I so needed to watch this right now. Thank you!

Thanks for being so real!

Hi Danny! You totally nailed the perfectionism issue on the head - that it's all about control!! It's not always about what others think, it can totally just be my own weird standards of perfection that's been influenced by external things over the years. Your connection between digital art as reinforcing a hurtful relationship with perfectionism is very interesting. I lack the funds, skills, and time to learn digital art, and want to learn someday. But I sure relate to the may times I botched a painting that I worked SO HARD to sketch out, and cursed the heavens that I didn't have the means to digitize my sketches so I could start over! lol So I just had to live with the results and make peace with it. When I think about it, as you say in the video, that's a pretty deep realization about life in general.

Your hitting me to my core. And now have me sitting here like yeah he is so right. I'm going to get back into art. TYVM. You my man inspired my inner flame.

Don’t need a lot of details but between this video & one other I watched tonight…you may have sincerely changed my life. Thank you!

What a wonderful way of thinking! Just lovely! I embrace it!!

So refreshing! So authentic! So real! Thank you, my friend!

Yes!! Wow, a person that has uncovered the reason we all put things off. This is just what I needed. Thank you. 💗

I need to hear this regularly. I have shown some others my works that I’m so impressed with. But I have a fear of being judged so now I’ll just do it for me.The enjoyment is amazing and have only found artwork since being in lockdown.Never ever thought this was me. Thanks for this.

I needed to hear that today!

Thank you! This was extremely helpful!❤

I have many art supplies I've never used b/c I felt insecure about my ignorance of artistic styles. I've used my cheap paints but not my expensive paints because of my insecurity. I've been thinking of starting a daily art practice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I will love myself more and try to let go and relax. May you be blessed with peace of mind and have a wonderful weekend. 💖

Perfect. I take this phrase about that "I'll be perfect when the world will be perfect" as a weapon. And nobody will make me be perfect ever. )) Thank you. ❤

Danny, I have actually been drawing and...ENJOYING it. For me, this is revolutionary. Thank you!

Thank you for these brilliant words of wisdom!. The story of my creative life, i.e.,being to afraid of failure to try. I'm a cabinet of art supplies that have never been opened!

So heartfelt and strong

Great videos Danny. It reminds me of when I played a lot of golf and a comment was "It doesn't matter how good you get at this game, you ALWAYS want to be better. And as soon as you convince yourself that it's only a game...you sink a 30 ft putt". ."Giving in" and surrendering is the best success you can have. Cheers