If you have ever sat frozen in front of your notebook, looping the same lyric or agonising over a chord change, you are not alone. Most songwriters have been there at some point, staring down the blank page, waiting for inspiration to arrive fully formed and flawless.
But what if I told you that perfectionism, the very thing you believe will make your songs great, is actually what is holding you back?
In my latest YouTube video, I am talking all about how perfectionism quietly suffocates creativity and what you can do to break free from it. These are practical, tested techniques I have used myself to stay creative, keep writing, and actually enjoy the process again.
What I’ve Learned as a “Recovering Perfectionist”
Over my 30 years of songwriting, I have had to learn how to separate creativity from perfectionism. When those two worlds overlap, it can be paralysing. In this video, I share three techniques that can help you shift your mindset and free up your writing process.
1. Allow Yourself to Write a “Bad” Song
This might sound strange, but giving yourself permission to write something messy, cliché, or imperfect is one of the most powerful ways to beat perfectionism. When you stop trying to create a masterpiece on the first attempt, you create space to experiment and take creative risks. Often, the songs I write with zero pressure turn out to be far better than I ever expected.
Early drafts are like sketches. You are working out ideas, exploring themes, and letting your subconscious take the lead. You can shape and refine later, but first you have to write something. Let your creativity lead without self-judgement.
2. Set Yourself a Songwriting Deadline
I know what you might be thinking, adding a time limit to something creative sounds like the opposite of fun. But hear me out. Deadlines are one of the most effective tools I have found for silencing procrastination and getting songs written.
When you only have a short amount of time to complete a draft, you are forced to focus, make decisions quickly, and trust your instincts. It is not about rushing, it is about moving forward without second guessing every choice. I talk in the video about how taking part in FAWM (February Album Writing Month) completely changed how I approach songwriting deadlines, and why I now use this method regularly to keep myself creatively energised.
3. Write More Songs — Even If They’re Not “Perfect”
Perfectionism often brings a heavy dose of negativity with it. It tells you your ideas are not good enough, your lyrics are not clever enough, or your voice is not strong enough. One of the best ways I have found to push through that noise is simply to write more songs.
The more you write, the less pressure you feel to get everything right the first time. You build momentum, and that momentum gives you the confidence to try new things and improve with each draft. In the video, I share a story from the book Art & Fear that perfectly illustrates this idea, and why quantity can lead to quality in surprising ways.
A Bonus Technique That Changes Everything…
There is one more tip I share in the video that has helped me reframe perfectionism entirely. It is about recognising where your inner critic tends to show up, and using small, deliberate techniques to keep your creative momentum moving. You will also hear how Paul McCartney used placeholder lyrics (yes, really) in one of his biggest songs and how you can do the same to stay in the flow.
🎥 Click here to watch the full video
If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the pressure to “get it right,” this episode is especially for you. Let’s silence that perfectionist voice and get back to making music with freedom and joy.
And if you are ready to get writing today, you might enjoy my new ebook Songwriting Sprints — 10 song starters designed to help you write faster and with less pressure. You can check it out HERE
Write On,
Celine
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