Ep 5 - The Myth of 100%: Embracing Imperfection in Creative Work with Amber Petty

Becoming Power

Are you a perfectionist?

Has anyone referred to you that way before?

As a coach, I understand that the desire to “get it right” plagues most of us in some way. And these tendencies can be especially pernicious when working on something that matters to us a lot. The tug-of-war between our aspirations and our current level of skill or ability can stop us before we even really get started.

So when I came across writing instructor Amber Petty’s provocative invitation to half-ass your writing to manage the perfectionism demons, I had to know more.

In this episode we delve into Amber’s strategies for dealing with perfectionism, how she learned to reset her internal bar and “half-ass it,” and how this shift in mindset has not only transformed her career but also unleashed her creativity.

Amber Petty helps creatives say “yes” to their ideas, get bylines, and build audiences. After 13 years as a professional actor, Amber moved into freelance writing, working for the New York Times, Parade, Bustle, and more. She has also helped over 1000 students get bylines, start writing (for actual money), and begin newsletters to build a platform for their writing careers.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How Amber has learned to question her inner critic and build real self-trust
• How she realized that giving 100% all the time wasn’t realistic or even desirable
• How she uses deadlines to “outrun” her perfectionist streak
• How Amber developed her confidence in her voice and point of view as she started her newsletter and business

Learn more about Amber Petty:

• Website
• Instagram: @ambernpetty

Learn more about Valerie Black:

• The Change Agency
• Becoming Power Newsletter
• Coaching

Resources:

• The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown