With so much of our lives being spent online, it’s no wonder feelings of doubt in ourselves show up from time to time. With so much information being thrown our way it can be nearly impossible to avoid comparison. This is especially true if you work in a creative field.
Lack of confidence in one’s abilities has plagued artists, performers, and other creatives for centuries. Moreover, the way society views artistic pursuits in general as frivolous or unimportant only compounds the problem. So, what’s the solution?
Here are some practical and proactive ways to help build your creative confidence:
Learn Something New: There’s nothing quite like learning a new skill to give your confidence a boost. As we age, it’s easy to fall into the same patterns and do things the way we’ve always done them. While it may feel comfortable and familiar, it can also lead to stagnation. Learning a new skill or technique in your chosen niche can be just the thing to relight your creative fire and get you feeling gutsy again.
Track Your Progress: Looking back and seeing how far you’ve come is another effective way to grow your confidence. It’s easy to put all of your focus on the present (and where you want to be in the future), but looking behind you can be a great reminder of how much you have improved. Even if your past creative attempts make you cringe, allowing yourself to get some perspective can inspire you to keep improving, and make you feel better about where you are right now.
Join a Creative Community: Find strength in numbers. Joining a creative community is an excellent way to get the support and encouragement you need. Whether online or IRL, finding like-minded people who can provide constructive feedback and support can work wonders for your confidence. Let’s face it, the world is full of left-brainers who will never fully understand your creative pursuits (and that’s okay, everybody’s different). So surround yourself with people who share a similar creative vibe and you’ll find the kind of allyship you might not have known you needed.
Need more tips? Check out these links:
5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Creativity