Have you ever found yourself talking yourself out of projects? Being mean or stingy to yourself? How about demeaning your skills? Those are sure fire ways to kill your creativity! Since I recently engaged in this shameful behavior, I figure I`d write an article on how I conquered my meany talk and revived my creativity.
- I am so afraid to make mistakes. Then fearlessly make mistakes. How can you build on your skill or career if you are not willing to make a mistake? How do you know what to improve if you don’t know what your strengths and weaknesses are? If your endevour is worth doing, the mistakes will be worth it. They set benchmarks to show how far you have come.
- Making mistakes gets too expensive. And you can afford to make them. If we are talking money, you can find places that offer affordable supplies. Try a digital environment, cheaper paper (or materials) or even exercises that will allow you to develop your skill so you are not wasting resources.
I find that whatever you think is important to you, you will spend time and money. So ask yourself, is it worth it to you? - I don`t want to try because I am so bad (or not good enough)…Then take a class! This was my son`s recent excuse for not trying to paint his own work. He plans on attending art school next year but he is terrified of watercolors. I sat him down and gave him a little lesson. Let`s just say he is doing much better and wants to do more. Oddly enough I have used this one. I have taken a few courses and feel confident enough to strut my stuff!
- I am afraid to look bad (or it isn`t perfect). Then embrace it. Embrace the mistakes and imperfections. Phil Hansen, a graphic designer who suffered nerve damage while in art school, was told by a neurologist to just “embrace the shake” that his hand was displaying as a symptom when creating art. He did, and it earned him a Ted Talk. Watch it here. I will leave you with this quote: Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad and I will show you a guy you can beat every time. -Rene Auberjonis
- But there are people who are better than me (or they are already doing what I want to do). Yes and that is always going to be the case. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone. Specially since it makes you look inwards to self examine and be better. Why not do what you do well and with pride? Just because others may be doing the same thing you are (or you perceive them to be better), doesn`t mean you can’t offer a different perspective, method or an original interpretation of your skill. Believe that you have something to offer and let that little light shine!!
