Creatives are often highly talented individuals who excel in areas such as music, art, writing, or acting. They possess a unique ability to create something from nothing, bringing beauty and meaning into the world. However, despite their impressive skills, creatives often struggle with feelings of self-doubt and low self-worth. In this blog, we will explore some of the reasons why creatives suffer from self-worth issues.
No Clear-cut Criteria for Success
One of the primary reasons creatives struggle with self-worth is because their work is often subjective. Unlike other professions, such as retail, finance, medicine or law, there is no set of rules or guidelines to follow when it comes to creating art. There are no clear-cut criteria for success, and what one person considers to be a masterpiece, another may see as mediocre. This constant uncertainty can lead creatives to question their abilities and constantly seek external validation.
Deeply Personal
Another reason creatives struggle with self-worth is that their work is often deeply personal. When a creative person creates something, they are essentially putting a piece of themselves into the world. Whether it’s a song, a painting, or a novel, their work is a reflection of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This vulnerability can make them feel exposed and open to criticism. It’s easy to see how negative feedback can be deeply hurtful and take a toll on their self-esteem.
Perfectionism
Moreover, creatives are often perfectionists, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. They may feel that their work is never quite good enough and that they need to keep striving for perfection. This constant pressure to be better can be exhausting and draining, leading to burnout and a loss of motivation.
Comparing
Another factor that contributes to creative self-worth issues is the comparison trap. With social media, it’s easy to see what other creatives are doing, and this can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It’s tempting to compare oneself to others and feel like they are not measuring up. However, this comparison is often unfair, as each creative is on a unique path, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success.
Undervalued
Finally, the creative profession is often undervalued in our society. While creativity is essential to our culture and economy, it’s not always given the respect and recognition it deserves. Many creatives struggle to make a living from their work and may feel that their talents are not valued by society. This lack of recognition can be demotivating and lead to feelings of worthlessness.
Help is Available
When negative thoughts dominate your thinking, it’s easy to feel despondent or hide away from expressing your creativity. However, there are specific tools and strategies that can help you break free from self-worth issues and gain control over your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Would you like to learn how to overcome your self-doubt and cultivate a more confident and resilient creative mindset? Hundreds of my clients have already experienced the freedom of self-mastery, and I’d love to help you achieve the same. If you’re ready to bring your creative work to life and embrace your full potential, please reach out to me
Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coachingwww.creativeedgecoaching.com.au.She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs.
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