3 lies holding back your creativity

and how to overcome them

The creative journey is full of twists and turns, marked by moments of inspiration and self-doubt. Many of us find ourselves grappling with insecurities rooted in myths we subconsciously tell ourselves—lies that can stifle growth, limit opportunities, and prevent us from sharing our gifts with the world. Sure, it's natural to have doubts, but it’s critical to recognize when our doubts override our confidence and hinder us from growing. 

The journey toward confidence will be different for everyone. But, after dozens of conversations with creatives facing similar challenges, one thing is certain: it’s time to get real about why we’re holding ourselves back. So, let’s explore the three common lies we tell ourselves and consider some practical ways to change these false narratives. 

Lie #1: “I’m not as talented as them.”

One of the most pervasive lies creative people tell themselves is we lack the innate talent necessary to succeed. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling as if we don’t measure up. 

Changing the narrative: 

  • Focus on Growth: Understand that talent is just one piece of the puzzle, and often, persistence and dedication are far more crucial to success. Many accomplished artists, writers, and creators attribute their success to relentless practice and learning rather than any inherent talent.

  • Embrace Imperfection: Accept that mistakes and setbacks are natural parts of the creative process. Instead of viewing them as signs of failure, see them as opportunities for growth.

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Keeping a record of your achievements can help you see how far you've come and build confidence in your abilities.

Lie #2: “I have to do it alone.”

Creatives often feel they need to handle every aspect of their work alone, believing this demonstrates independence, commitment, and “true” talent. We hear this in the music industry, where artists are slammed for having ghostwriters, etc. Let go of the narrative that collaboration is discrediting. To put out the best piece of work, you might need to tap into the talent in your community. That’s why they’re there! Don’t let this mindset lead to burnout and limit your growth. 

Changing the narrative: 

  • Seek Collaboration: Remember that collaboration can enhance your work, introduce fresh perspectives, and relieve some of the burden. Building a supportive network of like-minded creatives can also lead to more significant opportunities and ideas.

  • Delegate Tasks: Identify areas where you can delegate or seek help, whether it’s managing administrative tasks, marketing, or even specific creative components. Focusing primarily on what you do best will help you maintain passion and creativity.

  • Learn from Others: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, mentorship, or guidance. Embrace that you’ll always be learning–no matter how far along you get in your vocation. Learning from creatives who’ve walked a similar path can help you avoid pitfalls and open doors you might not reach alone.

Lie #3: “It’s not perfect yet.”

It’s more than likely that you’re holding onto work right now because you feel it isn’t flawless. Fearing criticism or rejection holds us back from valuable feedback and audience reception that is critical to our growth. Anyway, perfection is a myth. Especially when all art is subjective. Remember that your work will not be for everyone. That’s the point. There will be people who don’t like it and don’t understand it. That’s okay. Your work is not for them. 

Changing the narrative: 

  • Do Away with Perfection: Perfection is often subjective and can be an impossible standard to achieve. What makes art compelling is its authenticity, relatability, and emotion—not its flawlessness.

  • Share Your Progress: Practice sharing your work in progress. Sharing unfinished pieces or drafts can engage your audience, provide valuable feedback, and create a sense of connection with your community. 

  • Remember Your Purpose: Focus on the purpose behind your creative works. Whether you aim to express yourself, tell a story, or evoke emotions, let that purpose guide you, rather than a fear of imperfection or perception. 

It’s already hard enough in this capitalist society to reach our full potential as creative people. Don’t make that harder by getting in your own way. Hopefully, the approaches for changing these false narratives helped you recognize these lies for what they are—self-imposed barriers that limit your growth and expression. By shifting our mindset, seeking collaboration, and embracing that we will always be works in progress, we might finally unlock new possibilities in our creative journeys. 

Remember, the most powerful stories are the ones we tell ourselves. Embrace your creativity with confidence, knowing that you are enough, you are not alone, and your work is always worth sharing.

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