Every day can be a day of creativity. Many people say they feel more alive and are happier when they are creating. We need to create every day to build our creative muscles. It would be good to just simply dive into some project, but what doubt or fear keeps us from being creative?
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet
Common reasons given for not creating:
- My inner voice tells me that I can’t do this.
- Past criticisms dredge up feelings of inadequacy.
- I am afraid of making mistakes or of mediocrity or failure.
- I fear judgement from other people.
- Who needs one more person doing this? I won’t make any difference. Who will care?
- I work—but it is a struggle, and in the end, is it worth it—to anyone or to me?
- My daily job uses up all my energy, brain power, and decision-making capacity.
How do we deal with these reasons? What can we do to find the space in our busy lives to create? How do we overcome any fears or doubts and create consistent, long-lasting changes in our lives that enable us to be creative?
Believe in Your Creative Voice
First, believe in yourself. Believe in your art. Believe in your own voice. Every day commit to either create something or enjoy art created by others. Every day commit to live the life you want to live. This is the only life you have.
Make Creativity a Priority
Make creativity your purpose and mission. I have found that making creativity the number one priority—not just a priority—helps. Give yourself permission to feel impassioned . . . to feel an urgency that being creative is important in your life and to the world. Why to the world? Because the world needs everyone sharing their creative gifts. Creativity makes the world a better place for all of us. Art inspires us, comforts us, and helps give meaning to our lives. Creativity connects and unites us in our humanity.
Begin with Baby Steps
Think small at first. Begin with small, doable actions—baby steps. Begin to build up your creative muscles in tiny ways every day. Find uninterrupted time and plan projects which give you energy and that you can finish quickly.
Some ideas for small doable projects are:
- Clip images from a magazine and make a collage
- Draw something
- Write a short poem
- Compose a simple melody
- Write about things you love in 250 words
- Fill a page with your favorite inspirational quotes or quotes about creativity
Above all, make it fun. Create something that feeds your soul. It does not have to be great. The first purpose is to satisfy your desire to create. Bigger projects will come along. More involved projects may come along. Don’t worry, only focus on the project at hand.
Progress Creates Excitement
Finally, forget fear. Forget doubt. Forget whatever keeps you down or holds you back. Move ahead each minute of the day. As you build your muscles and habits—day by day, it becomes easier. Progress creates excitement. Seeing your projects come to life brings joy. You become more of the you that you are meant to be. Greet each morning with expectation for what the day will bring. Remember all the wonderful, unique things about yourself! The world needs your creativity.
Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid. Start with baby steps. Begin establishing small habits of creativity. Create and finish a small project every day!
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What keeps you from creating? Have you found ways to be creative today?
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