Have you ever tried writing a new song and within say, 5 or 10 mins in the process, you completely throw it out the window thinking “this sucks!” or “It’s not good enough!” Sound familiar? Self-doubt can creep in so fast that new ideas brimming with potential aren’t given a chance at all. Today, here’s our:
5 Tips To Overcoming Self-Doubt When Creating
- Positive Attitude And Mindset
Prepping your mind and heart as much as possible before diving into your creative mood/process can really help in your productivity. Set a goal, have a plan, start with a positive attitude/mindset and stick with it. I know this is easier said than done. And you’ve probably heard it before. But for the love of art, and for the sake of your love of creating, try your best. Consider incorporating a few healthy mindful practices to influence your attitude. If a simple self motivating “I can do it” isn’t enough, some healthy activities that literally change your brain chemistry just might do. Try these simple activities:
– Meditation 2. Deep breaths
– Quick exercise
– Watch/listen to your favorite artists for inspiration
– Hang out with your best buddies It’s really up to you.
The point is, your attitude and mindset are things you can control and take responsibility for. - Give Your Ideas A Chance
The creative process can look like a million different pictures, but it all starts with an idea. Pick the ideas you like as you brainstorm and try them out. Don’t give up so quickly. Start somewhere and move forward with it. If it really doesn’t work out, fine, then move on, but give your ideas a chance.
If you keep throwing out every potentially good ideas so quickly before really seeing what it could turn into, you might get into the habit of doing so and you might be throwing away a really good song. Patience will benefit you and your ideas in the long run.
- Respect Your Role And Respect Your Craft
You want to be a writer? Call yourself a writer. Treat yourself like one. It doesn’t matter if you’re barely getting started or you’re a musical genius. Practice taking yourself seriously. Respect your craft and process enough to the point where there is very little or no room for insecurities or distracting self-sabotaging thoughts. Once again, this is easier said than done but it is something that you can practice. The pay off will come and your confidence will build in time. One effective way to do that is to really know your role and play it well. As a creative, your job is to create, to finish what you started, or to start over, or to get better. Focus on the responsibilities of your role as a creative. Respect your role and respect your craft by showing up and doing the job.
- Take A Breather
Sometimes, you just need fresh air or a nice stretch. You know that feeling when you’re not in the mood but after you eat something, you realize you’re just hungry and everything’s okay? In the same way, your negative thoughts could just be a sign of exhaustion when you’re stuck on something you’ve been working on for 5 hours straight. You might just a need a little break. Go have a snack.
- Know Your Purpose
“Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how,’” said Viktor Frankl. What is YOUR purpose as a creative? That is an important question to answer. Overcoming self-doubt can seem like an impossible task but knowing what you want to do and why you’re doing it could just give you the right perspective for a start. Self-doubt is absolutely normal but you can put it in its place once you’ve figured out why it exists or starts to creep in when it does and what you can do about it. Figure out the purpose behind your craft and let that purpose direct your path. It’s not just about willpower. It’s really about deeply connecting with who you are as a creative. Once you’ve defined your purpose and your goals, then decide what power you will allow doubt and fear to have over you.
- Positive Attitude And Mindset
How will you use these tools and ideas when you create? I’d love to hear from you.
Article by Mari