Anyone who writes — or creates anything that goes out to the public — knows that oftentimes the product is akin to putting your heart out on a piece of paper (or laptop, or canvas and so on). Vulnerable, scary and vomit-inducing.
So even if you get 100 compliments and kind words, one negative remark roars above the rest. It sticks out and stays with you. Not only does it have you questioning your work but, worse, your worth.
Or even just the idea of being evaluated gets under your skin. Instead of telling the truth or letting your creativity flow freely, limitless and liberated, you’re paralyzed because you’re thinking about what everyone else will be thinking.
So one of the biggest barriers to creativity is, as you’ve probably guessed by now: concern over the critics — be they blog readers, your boss, friends, family or strangers at a networking event, art gallery, pottery class, dance recital, conference or concert.
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Site last updated: 18 May 2013
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Inspiring, thoughtful and challenging…thank you!
As a writer and personal coach, this is just the kind of boost my clients and I need to hear from time to time.
When I was invited to write a blog for a large website, I was so worried my ‘voice’ would change. My personal blog was a space to write with carefree personality. But when the big blog came along, I couldn’t help but be tempted to “clean it up”. It’s a struggle sometimes to maintain that authentic voice and the blog stats tend to reflect when I’ve hit, or missed, that mark. Looking forward to reading this book- than for sharing.
I was just thinking that the creative person has to be fully focused in a different state of mind, almost semi-concious, numb, ignoring their surroundings. I think what blocks creativity might be the fear of entering that state. We know it has to be, and so we think of all manor of distractions (washing dishes, talking on the phone, etc.) to keep us from entering that creative state. I’m experiencing that now with writing about my mother. I know where it will take me, and I look forward to completing the work, but almost feel guilty for getting into the creative state that takes me away from everyday life.