In her book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott explores the concept of perfectionism, suggesting that it leads to an avoidance of messiness in life. She indicates that a desire for perfection can cause individuals to overlook the richness that comes from living authentically, as life inherently involves chaos and disorder. Rather than striving for an unattainable ideal, embracing the imperfections can foster creativity and growth.

Lamott highlights the importance of recognizing that clutter and mess are indicators of an actively lived life. Embracing these aspects can remind us that experiences and emotions are often complex and challenging but ultimately rewarding. By accepting messiness, we can learn to appreciate the journey of life and writing, rather than being hindered by the fear of making mistakes.