Breaking Free from Perfectionism Through Art with Susan Hensley

Are you stuck in the cycle of perfectionism? Do you find yourself overthinking, fearing mistakes, or holding back from expressing yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Perfectionism can stifle creativity, increase anxiety, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. But what if there was a simple, enjoyable way to break free from these constraints?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author, speaker, and transformational coach Susan Hensley shares how art journaling can be a powerful tool for overcoming perfectionism, managing stress, and unlocking creativity.

What is Art Journaling and Why Does It Work?

Art journaling is more than just doodling or coloring; it’s a creative outlet that allows you to process emotions, reduce anxiety, and rewire your brain for resilience. Unlike traditional art, there are no rules, no expectations, and no pressure to create something "perfect." Susan explains how simple exercises like scribbling, finger painting, or collaging can help people release stress, tap into their inner creativity, and embrace imperfection.

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that creativity isn’t reserved for artists. Whether you’re a business professional, student, or someone navigating life’s transitions, incorporating even five to ten minutes of artistic play into your daily routine can have profound benefits.

How Perfectionism Holds You Back

During the episode, Susan shares insights from her book, Art for Your Sanity, and discusses the psychology behind perfectionism. She explains how society conditions us to strive for perfection, leading to self-doubt, procrastination, and fear of failure.

Perfectionism often manifests in different ways:

• Procrastination – Delaying tasks because of fear they won’t be good enough
• Overworking – Spending excessive time on details that don’t truly matter
• Avoidance – Not trying new things due to fear of making mistakes
• Harsh Self-Criticism – Constantly judging oneself instead of celebrating progress

Art journaling helps retrain the brain by encouraging people to create without judgment, allowing for self-expression, emotional healing, and increased problem-solving abilities.

Why Businesses and Professionals Should Embrace Creativity

Beyond personal growth, creativity plays a crucial role in business and innovation. Susan discusses how companies that foster creativity among employees see higher levels of engagement, problem-solving, and adaptability. Many leaders focus on productivity and efficiency, but they overlook the fact that true innovation comes from curiosity, play, and the freedom to experiment.

Susan challenges the common phrase “think outside the box”, arguing that it’s better to never enter the box in the first place. In a world where AI and automation are streamlining repetitive tasks, human creativity is more valuable than ever.

How to Get Started with Art Journaling

If you’re curious about trying art journaling but don’t know where to start, Susan suggests:

• Keeping it simple – Use crayons, markers, or glue sticks to create without pressure
• Starting with 5-10 minutes a day – A short creative break can have lasting effects
• Letting go of expectations – There is no right or wrong way to do this
• Experimenting with different materials – Explore collage, painting, or even finger painting
• Using music for inspiration – Let the rhythm guide your creativity

Susan emphasizes that the goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. Instead, it’s about enjoying the process, freeing your mind, and reducing stress through artistic exploration.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from perfectionism, reduce anxiety, and reignite their creativity. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone simply seeking more joy in life, art journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

Listen to the Full Episode

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Susan Hensley’s Website: https://susan-hensley.com/
• Book: Art for Your Sanity https://susan-hensley.com/art-for-your-sanity/
• Follow Susan on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/susanhensleyartjournal/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-hensley-63a4753/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!