In her book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott discusses the impact of perfectionism on our creative processes. She likens perfectionism to a physical cramping of muscles, suggesting that it constrains our capabilities in ways we might not even recognize. This tension can manifest as anxiety or self-doubt that restricts both movement and expression, particularly in writing.

Lamott emphasizes that these hidden wounds and the resulting tension can hold us back from fully engaging with our work. The fear associated with striving for perfection may lead us to write and create in a way that is rigid and overly cautious, rather than allowing for a more open and authentic flow in our creativity. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can free ourselves to write more freely and authentically.