What if I’m a perfectionist?

Episode Description:

In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire asks the question: What if I’m a perfectionist? She breaks down the myth of “perfect,” explores how each Enneagram type approaches perfectionism differently, and offers practical ways to challenge the illusion of control that perfectionism creates.

If you’ve ever stalled out because your draft “wasn’t good enough,” obsessed over tiny details at the expense of joy, or secretly feared that one mistake could ruin everything—you’ll find both relief and encouragement in this conversation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the concept of “perfection” is made up—and how that realization can set you free

• How idealism (a beautiful quality) can twist into painful perfectionism

• The hidden childhood lessons that might have taught you mistakes weren’t safe

• Why perfectionism doesn’t produce perfect books—it produces stuck authors

• How each Enneagram type disguises perfectionism in its own way

• Why publishing a book will always feel vulnerable (and why that’s good news)

• A simple practice to start loosening perfectionism’s grip today

Takeaway Challenge:
Make one mistake on purpose this week—and leave it there. Whether it’s leaving a typo in a draft, breaking one of your own “rules,” or letting something slide without fixing it, notice what happens. Is it really the catastrophe your perfectionism promised? Or is it… nothing at all?

Support the Show:

If this episode gave you permission to breathe a little deeper, please share it with another author who could use the same relief. You can also support the show by leaving a review wherever you listen—it helps more perfectionist authors find their way here.

Want to go deeper? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, and books designed to help authors thrive without perfectionism weighing them down.

Access the transcript here.

Happy writing!