One of the top reasons people don’t pursue the great creative goals they dream about is because of the doubts that create walls. These doubts may look like thoughts that tell you:
- I’m not good enough.
- Everyone is telling me I should do XYZ instead.
- No one will take my creative work seriously.
- My goals are too big and unrealistic.
If anyone tells you that they got to where they are without any doubts along the way is completely fooling you. Feeling doubts are part of the growth process. Great things worth pursuing go against the grain.
A wise person once told me that “Thoughts are not facts.” You can observe them, but you don’t need to believe them all. But what happens when you recognize your confidence getting shaken? When you’re feeling defeated? When you’re feeling alone?
—You push back. You drown out the doubts by pouring into your mind good stuff.
Listed below are methods I use to combat the doubts and keep myself on track with creative work, and perhaps they’ll help inspire some momentum for you too.
Feed Your Mind Good Books
There’s a book at arms reach on my desk that I’ve picked up to read a dozen times. “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield is a well-known book in the creative community and a must-read. It’s a short, quick read that provides a bit of tough love when it comes to doing the creative work that calls you.
A summary of the book can be read in these quotes:
“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”
“[The professional] is prepared, each day, to confront his own self-sabotage.”
“The amateur plays part-time, the professional full-time. […] The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time. […] Resistance hates it when we turn pro.”
Steven Pressfield
Picking up a book like this helps keep you in check, and there are many other books written by awesome creatives who want to inspire you to keep pursuing your works. Dive into a library or bookstore and discover these books that speak to you encouragement.
Need recommendations? Check out my book list.
Feed Your Mind Good Support
Very rarely can you achieve goals alone. Surrounding yourself with a supportive circle is crucial. Connect with like-minded individuals who understand the creative journey and value the goals you’re trying to achieve. These people can offer valuable feedback, encouragement, and advice when you need it most.
Keep distance away from people who put you down, belittle your goals, and give you unwanted advice. Instead, have in your circle:
- the person who inspires you because they’ve done amazing things;
- the person who checks in on how you’re doing and fuels within you drive to continue;
- the person who listens to your venting, repeatedly at times, and stays present with you;
- the person who acknowledges your hard work, appreciates its significance to you, and praises it;
- and the person whose mere presence brings you joy and confidence.
Whether it be friends, mentors, colleagues, and professional support, surround yourself with people who can help knock down the doubts for you by providing a different perspective.
Feed Your Mind Good Music
Music can be like good medicine for the mind, and when used strategically it can be a great tool. While music can appeal to you because of its beat or rhythm, the lyrics and emotions conveyed can significantly impact your mood and mindset. When feeling doubtful, listening to music can help you gain perspective. Knowing that an artist on the other end of the song has experienced relatable emotions as you can also help you feel less alone.
Types of songs to include in your music toolbox are:
- Songs that seem to “get you” and offer their hand to hold on to.
- Songs that teach you life lessons and encourage reflection.
- Songs that tell you “you can do this” and inspires motivation.
- Songs that remind you to be authentic.
- Songs that help you take a calm reset.
Create a playlist of strategic songs that share with you an understanding of what you’re going through, for both the highs and lows. Need some music inspiration? You can check out my running playlist of quite the random genres on Spotify called “Feed Your Mind Good Stuff.” My music may not speak to you, so I do encourage you take the time to create your own (which is super fun! 🎶 😃). But if you like it, consider giving it a save and share it out!
Feed Your Mind Good Wisdom & Positive Notes
Wisdom can come from many sources, and seeking it out intentionally is so important. Whether through books, podcasts, TED talks, documentaries, or conversations with others, exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives is incredibly enriching. Listening to the stories of those who have faced and overcome challenges can offer valuable insights for tackling your own obstacles. Wisdom can reveal the mindset that admirable people use to navigate their journeys.
Consider keeping a journal to record any wisdom or advice that resonates with you. Reflecting on these can inspire and reenergize your creative endeavors. In addition, save those positive notes that people left for you in cards, messages and the like. It reminds you that someone thought of you, which can inspire you to forge ahead.
Here are some of my favorite wisdoms and notes collected over the years:
- “The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave it neither power nor time.” – Mary Oliver
- “Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” – Leo Burnett
- “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” – Proverbs 27:19 NIV
- “Slow it down.” – my therapist
- “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” – Brené Brown
- “Thank you for your help. You should be a teacher.” – A simple handwritten note given to me from a college classmate in undergrad. It’s amazing how a gesture like this sticks with you over years.
Be like the Eagle
The crow is a bird bold enough to attack an eagle. It jumps on its back in strong grip and bites its neck. But the eagle doesn’t lose focus and waste energy on this nuisance. Instead it flys higher into the sky, to such a high altitude that the crow is forced to let go from a lack of oxygen and strength.
Battling doubts is a natural part of the creative process, but I encourage you to be like the eagle. Don’t consume yourself with negative things that you know serves no gain. Stay focused. Instead, feed your mind good content, a supportive circle, empathetic music, and valuable wisdom; so you can build a strong foundation to help keep you moving forward. Embrace the journey, learn from the obstacles, and never forget that your creative goals are worth pursuing.
