From Fear to Freedom

Conquering Self Doubt the Creative Way

If you’re anything like me, there’ll have been times when that nagging voice whispers in your head;

“you can’t do it, you’re not good enough.”

Believe me, you’re not alone here.

After spending my whole career in a creative industry and working with and around creative thinkers, I’ve learned that not only do we all have these fears, but how much these fears and self-doubts can freeze even the most talented, business savvy, artistic, and forward thinking individuals.

But, the truth of this lesson is that it took me years and years to discover that this voice isn’t actually helping or keeping us safe and in control, instead it actually holds us back from achieving what we want.

More than Just Fear - Understanding Creative Self-Doubt

Self-doubt when it comes to the things you’re creating, whether that’s a new creative writing project, a craft piece, or a new business offer, really hits differently. It’s so very personal, raw and makes you feel vulnerable and exposed.

Any work we do is an extension of ourselves and who we are, so when you create, no matter if that’s:

• Your first blog post

• The launch of your new business

• Your first art piece

• Pitching to potential clients

• Starting a new project

Everything feels that much more like an extension of yourself, so when we get criticised, we feel like we’re being personally attacked and our fear then tries to step in and stop this from happening.

The Science Behind Creative Fear

What’s interesting about our brains is that it can’t actually distinguish between a physical threat and a perceived threat. It reacts the same way in both cases. When you decide to share your work, the brain’s fear centre activates as if you are in physical danger.

This then triggers the same fight or flight response to protect you from the predators. It’s this same feeling that can intensify to such a degree that it turns into panic attacks.

Why Creatives Feel It

Over the years I’ve noticed that creative professionals, whatever job or profession they’re in, often feel heightened self-doubt and there’s a number of reasons for this:

1. Creative work or using creative energy for work demands constant innovation, which is hard for anyone all the time

2. Success metrics are often subjective and people tend to focus on the negatives

3. The creative industry is constantly evolving and people might worry they’re getting left behind

4. Personal expression makes rejection and criticism feel more intimate and like a personal attack

5. Social media can often be a slippery slope to comparison-itis, which is not good for the soul.

At some point I’ve experienced all of these and I’ve done a lot of self-work to try and make them a little better, here’s some of my best ways to transform your fear.

5 Ways to Transform Fear to Fuel

1. Name the Fear

This works through acknowledgement. Many are scared to even admit their own fears and it takes a long time to actually come to terms with this and own up, but if you can it can be really powerful.

An example of this is changing “I’m afraid my work isn’t good enough” into “I care deeply about the quality of my work.” This is called reframing and shifts your perspective to give you a way forward. Start considering what your fears are and what the underlying motivations for these are.

2. Create a Brag File

This is one of my favourites. It works by simply collecting all the positive feedback, successful comments, discussions and reviews you’ve got from people about your work. You add them all to your file, even the ones that were verbal (just transcribe these to jog your memory). Then, when you’re having a tough day this is your evidence against imposter syndrome and feeling self-doubt.

You can add in things like:

• Client testimonials

• Positive comments on your work

• Screenshots of achievements

• Personal milestones

• Awards or recognition

3. Set Tiny, Brave Goals

I can very easily come up with big amazing goals (I make up stories for my books every day) but I find it very hard to make these tangible and something I believe I can achieve. What does work for me is to break down these big goals into much smaller more manageable goals, where each small win gives confidence and allows a happy victory.

If you set smaller more manageable goals that move towards that big scary one and then allow yourself to feel that victory when you achieve it, you’ll be able to get to the bigger goal without anything like the same level of fear, for example you could try the following:

1. Day 1 - write the first paragraph or outline of something you’ve been putting off

2. Day 2 - continue day 1 work and share this work so far with one trusted friend

3. Day 3 - continue day 1 work and post a small piece, or a discussion about the work on social media

4. Day 4 - pitch this new idea to potential clients and get their thoughts

5. Day 5 - decide if their comments mean some reworking or some rethinking and get building.

4. Find Your Own Creative Rhythm

Another lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way is to work with your natural energy flows, rather than fighting against them. If you’re more energised in the morning then do your creative idea making first thing each day. If you’re a night owl, try doing it in the evenings instead. Work with your own internal tendencies, rather than trying to change yourself. I used to fight against myself so much and try to change what I was. I’ve realised that if I work with myself I’ll get far more done and with far more enthusiasm and creative energy.

If you’re not sure what your tendencies are, or you think you’re one thing but it’s not working for you, try these ideas:

• Track your creative hours and the times and days you’re most creative - I have the most creative energy first thing on a morning

• Note what environment you’re in when you’re most creative - mine is being alone and relaxed in my office or in nature.

• List out your most creative well filling activities - mine is watching the ocean, walking in the woods, etc.

• Document your most productive routines - for me I need some regular structural elements, but I also need freedom to change things too.

• Identify your creative blocks - where are your blocks? Be honest. It took me a lot of years to admit to myself what my creative blocks actually were because I didn’t want to admit what they meant (you can read more about this in my previous article).

5. Build yourself a support circle

Surround yourself with people who boost you, who make you feel energised. This is so important and something I’ve only recently taken seriously, but it’s made such a difference. Simply being aware of the people you find draining and the ones you find energising is a real insight into your own natural rhythm.

And, when things get tough, having a good support system in place a make a huge difference to you.

To find your tribe consider:

• Joining creative communities

• Finding a mentor or creative coach

• Join some workshops

• Create your own mastermind group

• Engage in collaboration projects

Some more Practical Exercises for Building Creative Confidence

The 5 minute creation challenge

Set a timer for 5 minutes and start creating something, anything, without judgement. This builds the habit of creating through your fear.

The Imperfection Practice

Deliberately create something imperfect each day. Post it, share it, learn to be okay with imperfection.

The Feedback Framework

Develop a healthy relationship with feedback by:

• Setting clear boundaries

• Asking specific questions

• Separating personal worth from creative output

• Using criticism as a learning tool

DON’T FORGET

Every single creative you admire has faced these same fears. The difference is they did it anyway. They learned to not allow doubt to paralyse them but worked through it. Keep trying and you will be able to do it too.

Your creative voice is important and your ideas deserve to be realised.

The Journey Forward

As a creativity coach I’ve seen many transformations from fear to creative freedom, including myself. The journey isn’t about eliminating doubts - it’s about building a stronger relationship with your creative self so you can use this in your life, business and practice. Believe me, my doubts and fears haven’t gone away, I too have to work on them or they’ll try to take over again, but I am in such a better place because I do work on them that I feel it’s so important others have that chance too.

Ready to transform your creative journey?

I’m giving away a handful of free 20 minute creativity breakthrough consultations, where we’ll discuss things like:

1. Your biggest creative blocks

2. Your self doubt and what strategies can help overcome them

3. What creative success looks like and an action plan to get there

4. What tools you can use for sustainable creative confidence

Simply reply to this email or drop me a message to hello@peonycreative.media to claim one of these handful of spots.

1. Read my blog articles on Creativity Coaching, or on the life of an author on my websites

2. Link with me on social media

3. Read my historical fiction mystery books

4. Find out about creativity coaching