The Ugly Podcast

The Ugly Podcast


Tolerating Imperfection w/ Erika Steeves

March 27, 2023

Today I was joined by my kindred perfectionism buddy and editor of speculative fiction, Erika Steeves. We talk about our instant connection over perfectionism when we met last year, and you might hear some familiar descriptions of your own perfectionism and self-doubt that echo in your head each day just as it does ours. We discuss how ugly art has helped us build up a tolerance for imperfection–because what is perfectionism but having zero tolerance for imperfection?–and slowly, over time, we’ve been able to do scary things even when our bodies scream at us to cancel recording a certain podcast episode (ahem).


Erika has found comfort in focusing on the process of art rather than the product, and we discuss the irony in waiting until you CAN do something before you’ll actually do it. How exactly are we supposed to get to that point if we won’t start somewhere?? Perfectionists, this one is for you. I mean, this whole podcast is for you, but this episode especially.


You can get in touch with Erika through Instagram @erika.steeves.edits or through her website erikasteeves.com.


References:
Creating Through Perfectionism Workshop: ko-fi.com/scribesunshine/shop