The advise in this chapter is timeless. I believe we’ve heard some part of versions of this over the years in no matter what field we are in, creative or otherwise.
Having doubts about our self, our talents, and our work can sometimes be constructive. However for many (including myself), it is easy to let these thoughts affect the way we do our work. This sometimes leads to work that is not truly our own, is less ambitious or bold, or is of lower quality than if we had just followed our instincts.
The most potent of the fears talked about in the chapter, is perfection. To strive for perfect is to strive for nothing, since perfect does not exist, is subjective and is boring. Often, when seeking perfection we can fall into analysis paralysis, where they spend a great deal of time planning and theorizing how they should carve every detail before actually making the project. We forget that we can make changes after we’re done, and that new ideas and realizations emerge as a part of the making process. This compulsion to try to make our first attempt our final, actually ends up creating a lower quality piece. It also takes more time and is a lot less fun than just trying again and again, making changes along the way.