You Have to Be Bad in Order to Get Good: Overcoming Perfectionism on Camera

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a heart-to-heart on something that holds so many creatives back: perfectionism.

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Hello, my friends. It’s Lyric here from Creatives on Camera, the podcast for makers, quilters, and artists who want to share their skills through online education.

Recently, I had a conversation with Erin Moran from Thinkific where we detoured into a topic I just couldn’t let go: perfectionism. It might’ve seemed like a tangent, but it’s actually the heart of the matter, especially when it comes to teaching on camera.

So today, I want to dig into what holds so many creatives back: that voice in our heads that says we’re not good enough.

“I’m Too Old.” “I Don’t Like the Sound of My Voice.”

Sound familiar?

You’ve taught in person. You’re comfortable face-to-face. But the second that camera turns on, suddenly it’s, “I’m too young,” “I’m not tech-savvy enough,” or “No one will like how I look or sound.”

Let me tell you something: everyone feels this way.

Even after two decades of teaching on camera, I still trip over my words. You’ve heard me do it. But I keep going because what matters isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

You Have to Be Willing to Be Bad

You can’t get good at a thing without doing the thing.

That means showing up before you feel ready. Showing up when it feels messy or awkward. Your early efforts might make you cringe later and that’s a good thing. That means you’ve grown.

Don’t believe me? Go watch my earliest YouTube videos. They’re still up. They’re far from polished, in fact, they’re terrible! But they’re still helping people, teaching them something they need. That’s what matters.

And if you need proof that even the pros struggle, go back and listen to my interview with Alex Anderson. She spent years on national television and still battled stage fright. You’re not alone.

You Don’t Have to Know Everything

Being a teacher doesn’t mean being the ultimate expert. It just means you’re a few steps ahead of your students and willing to share what you know.

There will always be someone who knows more. That’s fine. There’s room for all of us. I don’t see other teachers as competition, they’re my “niche neighbors.” We’re all here to help.

When you come from a place of service, the fear starts to fade. Focus on your students, not yourself. That’s the antidote to imposter syndrome.

Show Up to Serve, Not to Impress

Your students aren’t looking for perfect lighting or flawless delivery. They want someone who sees them, understands their struggles, and genuinely wants to help.

Every time you turn on the camera, ask yourself:

Who am I serving?
How can I make their lives easier?
What do they really need?

If you don’t know, go talk to them. Ask questions. Listen deeply. Then show up and offer your imperfect, heartfelt help.

Done Is Better Than Perfect

Waiting until you're “ready” is just another form of hiding. You get better by doing. You build confidence by pressing record again and again.

So say it with me: I’m willing to show up, even if it’s bad.

That’s the path to getting good.

Go make something. Teach something. Serve your people. And remember—every imperfect step is still a step forward.

Until next time, stay connected and supported by joining our creative community at the Academy for Virtual Teaching. That’s where we grow, fumble, and rise together.

Categories: : Podcast