Comparative Essay on Lamott’s ‘Perfectionism’ and ‘Shitty First Drafts”
Reading both papers gave me the sensation that I had transitioned into a continuation of the initial essay, which was not entirely negative. I noticed that although the topics were slightly distinct, they still maintained a clear connection, with Lamott preserving similar concepts throughout both pieces.
In the inspiring essay titled "Perfectionism," the author delved into the topic that haunts every writer - the goal of perfect writing. The essay suggested that while perfectionism may be viewed as a curse, it can be overcome by accepting mistakes and enjoying the writing process rather than forcing a flawless end product. I found Lamott's "Shitty First Drafts" to be more focused on a subtopic of perfectionism - the idea of allowing oneself to be carried by the urge to write and typing whatever the story demands, flaws and all.
Despite the need fo
...r improvement, both essays suggest that there is value in salvaging something from a disaster. Additionally, a disaster resulting from personal desires holds more merit than forced and uncomfortable conformity. I appreciated the recommendations for navigating difficult situations.
According to Lamott, the key to successful writing is to follow your own instincts and ignore the pressure from internal voices that may suggest alternative agendas. In both of her essays, she encourages individuals to focus on their own unique perspectives and not worry about striving for perfection. In "Shitty First Drafts," Lamott emphasizes that successful writers often struggle just as much as anyone else and that the key is to approach the writing process with a sense of humility and acceptance. As she notes, "people tend to look at successful writers and think that they sit
down at their desks every morning feeling like a million dollars..."
The statement "But this is just the fantasy of the uninitiated" appears in the text alongside "Perfectionism". Both are surrounded by HTML paragraph tags.
Perfectionism is rooted in the misconception that if you meticulously follow each step and handle every situation with care, you will evade death. However, the reality is that death is inevitable, and even those who are not meticulously watching their steps will excel and enjoy themselves more. Initially, I had reservations about Lamott's perspective as someone who struggles with disorder and is constantly being reprimanded. However, reading these essays was enlightening and pleasurable. Both essays emphasize that striving for perfection and obsessing over details is fruitless.
One effective method for improving your writing is to embrace mistakes, encourage continuous writing, and learn from the experience to take the next step towards achieving excellence.
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