Have you ever thought, “I’m not a creative person,” to yourself? You might start to question if the little fairies above the cradle missed to give you the “creative gift” at birth when you see people who can paint, design, decorate, picture novel ideas, or suggest exciting activities.
But is it truly true that you lack all creativity?
In fact, the word “creative” itself can be a little frightening. In this instance, “curious” might be used in its stead.
Curiosity is the capacity for inquiry, the desire to learn new things, the interrogation of others, etc.
If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like, “I wonder what would happen if I did…”, “What would it be like to go…?”, “What would it be like if I mixed these two colors…? » .
Good news ! You are curious! 🙂
It is this curiosity that sparks your creativity. They are both, internal resources that we all have and can activate. These resources are like muscles that you can train.
Still not convinced?
In this article you will discover 4 common fears that prevent you from being creative and above all actions that you can put in place to remove its blockages.
1. Fear of not having talent
Everyone has potential and talent in some area .
It could be painting, sculpting, singing, dancing, cooking, gardening, …
But even if you have talent, it takes time to learn a skill. And that goes for everyone! Even geniuses practice and train. They may find it easier to do so, but they still have to work to maintain their talent.
Most people try something they think they enjoy and expect to be good right away . If that does not work they are disappointed and think they have no talent and abandon the project
How and why does this happen?
For example, you happened to watch a YouTube video of a painter who encouraged you to try acrylic because his work was absolutely fabulous and effortless. You want to learn to do the same?
You start and there… it’s the dice, it’s the dédé, it’s disappointment…
I think we all know that feeling of frustration, in any field.
But now, the person you just saw probably has worked hundreds or even thousands of hours before getting there. She trained and perfected her technique over time.
How much time have you spent on it so far? Probably not as much, right?
So you can’t expect to have the same results as a seasoned professional. At least not yet.
You also only saw one short excerpt from the creative process of this person. You’ve seen what worked to become a beautiful work of art, not all trial and error that were needed to achieve this.
And I’m sure almost any artist would be able to point out things in their work that they think could be improved.
What you can do
Give yourself time. Be patient and allow yourself totry, make mistakes and start over. This is the most important thing.
Try again and again until you get the desired results.
Leave impatience in the closet instead of letting it take over you. And especially, be proud of everything you do. Be persistent!
It’s a unique expression of who you are and the journey you’re on. This makes it valuable.
2. Fear that it is not the right time
It’s a common fear of people before starting something new, whether in life in general, business-related or creative endeavor.
But really, how could it not be the right time to just pick up a pencil and start drawing? Or take a pottery class? Or attend a writing workshop?
HAS what would the “right” moment look like? Will this happen soon?
I understand that there are periods that really don’t leave much time for new projects. And if you’re in the process of tidying up your house and moving to another continent, then focus on that.
But sometimes just a few minutes simple doodling or coloring are just what you need to let your brain rest and recharge. You will find energy, concentration by working on your creativity.
Another reason you might think you shouldn’t start something is, you were doing it very well a long time ago. However, you haven’t practiced it for a long time and you think you no longer have the “level”.
Maybe also, do you think you are the wrong age ?
Too old to start using crayons and chalk to paint, since it’s only for kids?
Or too young to start knitting, crocheting or needlework, because it’s for grandmas?
Whatever one of these scenarios speaks to you is simply a limiting belief.
That is to say, it is a way in which your fear of creativity prevents you to start your project. And this fear will never let the time be right. There will be always a reason to postpone it see you tomorrow, or next week, or… never.
What you can do
Have the courage to start because the ideal time does not exist.
Tell yourself that the best time is now!
Do a very simple step. Practice 15 minutes a day. Sign up for a course. Buy basic supplies. Work on small formats. Plan and set this time. Start experimenting and let the rest happen.
And especially, be patient and kind with yourself and celebrate every little success.
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3. Fear of rejection and criticism
It’s a big problem… for a lot of people and for myself as well.
Whatever creative work you do, be it writing, painting or something else, you worry about what people will think and say about it.
These worries prevent you from doing many things. But ultimately it’s something you don’t have no control and you shouldn’t really worry about.
Indeed, whatever you do, however good, beautiful or useful, there will always be someone with a different opinion. And they won’t mind sharing it.
Also, the more original your ideas, the more criticism and rejection there will be.
Why ? Because of new things unsettle people. Either because it scares them where he makes them jealous because they realize that they themselves are not willing or able to do something like you.
Whatever the reason for which you are criticized for your creative work or even your ideas, it is not not something you should take personally.
The opinion of others is the life of others.
Catherine Testa
I recognize that it can be difficult not to take this kind of thing to heart because we put a lot of ourselves into our creative work.
To hear negative remarks about it can easily be felt as an insult to ourselves. It’s not pleasant and it’s something no one wants.
Nevertheless, if someone completely rejects what you do and tries to put you down because of it, they are not the right person to share your ideas with.
If this person is close to you, of course, they can still be your friend, but talk about this aspect of your life with them will only pull you down and make you doubt yourself and your creative work.
On the other hand, some people might give you genuine advice or constructive criticism . Maybe they have ideas and comments that can help you grow or inspire you to try something new and different next time.
What you can do
Ask yourself if taking this new idea, criticism, or suggestion to heart will help you improve and move forward?
If the answer is yes, take it to heart and don’t block it.
If someone is willing to take the time to seriously think about your work and help you move forward, it means they really care about you.
He is the kind of person with whom it is good to exchange ideas. because you know she understands you and is interested in you. This will bring you feedback that will help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Integrating a twitter group specializing in painting, amateurs or professionals, can be a good way to share your creations and get opinions on your work. But here too, take some distance and persevere!
4. Fear of not being good enough
This fear has probably affected all creative wishes at one time or another.
Whether you write, paint or sing, you asked if you are good enough to show your art to the worldespecially in the beginning.
The notion behind this fear is nothing but the perfectionism.
Have you put off presenting your creative project because you thought you should “improve” yourself first? But what is “better”? And when will you be “better”?
If you are a true perfectionist, you probably never will be !
I’m not saying you won’t get better with practice, but the perfectionism will prevent you from surpassing yourself and truly embrace your creativity.
It’s the biggest enemy of your creativity. If you don’t keep it under control, it could completely sabotage your work.
Indeed, this limiting belief can sometimes become self-sabotage and an excuse to procrastinate.
Perfectionism makes you doubt the quality of your work, its value, your abilities, and even yourself.
But the worst part is that we often think it’s a good thing, because after all, is it bad to want to do your job well?
What you can do
“Finished is better than perfect”, or at least “doing” is much more productive than “perfecting”!
You have to give your all to each of your projects and get the most out of them.
But instead of aiming for perfection, go for your personal record. Made of your best for the moment, with the time and capabilities you currently have.
Accept the fact that you will do better with time. You can always come back and tweak your current project when you’ve had more practice.
But for now, get started !
By working even a few minutes a day, you will learn more and more about your technique without even realizing it! This practice will give you more confidence in your skills and in yourself.
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To conclude, learn to overcome your fears by freeing yourself from the gaze of others. Do it for yourself first and do it now!
Don’t wait to be perfect to be creative, get started, dare. By practicing regularly and in a short time you will already notice your progress!
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