I do nothing else in which I am so self-critical.
When I cook, I give myself a lot of leeway -- of course, I want to create delicious food, and I plan and work accordingly. However, I'm always aware there's a frozen pizza or bowl of cereal if things don't go as hoped.
(FYI, a PSA: never criticize your cooking in front of guests -- if you know your stir fry is too salty, or forgot to add nuts to the brownies -- don't call attention to these "mistakes." If you don't point out "errors," most people don't notice or care. They're just grateful for a home-cooked meal.)
(Similarly, never point out your perceived physical flaws; if someone doesn't think you have a big nose, why do you want to plant that idea in their brain?)
When I take photos, I'm kind to myself. I take dozens of shots and judiciously use my editing software to get a "perfect" picture. If this doesn't work, I simply shoot again. I really have a "no big deal" attitude and it works.
However, as soon as I think about writing, my mind is flooded.
"What are you going to write?"
"Why? That's boring."
"I'm sure someone already did a better job saying that."
"It's never going to work."
And so it spirals...
I'm a decent cook and pretty good photographer. I'm happy with my current skills and strive to improve them. I enjoy these two pastimes, and never hoped to engage in either as more than a hobby. Perhaps this is what sets them apart from writing -- I've never feared the consequences of my cooking or photography "failures," and my "successes" aren't tied to how I feel about myself.
