Embracing Honest Creativity
Welcome to our 3rd Principle in my summer series – Honest Creativity!
Didn’t know there was such a thing, did you? OK, if I’m being honest here, it seems like a L-O-N-G stretch to connect “being honest” and “creativity.”
But hear me out…
In our journey to rediscover and nurture our creativity, it’s essential to differentiate between excuses and legitimate reasons. While giving yourself grace during tough times is crucial, sometimes tough love is equally important.
What happens when no one calls us out on our less than productive behaviors, such as being late, procrastinating, or making excuses?
We begin to believe these habits define us, thinking, “I’ve always been this way!” and assuming there’s nothing we can do about it. But the truth is, these are choices we make.
This phenomenon is often referred to as “learned helplessness,” a primary barrier to success. One of my favorite podcasts is from Mark McGuinness, where he interviews Alastair Humphreys. In this episode, Alastair suggests a helpful way to distinguish between an excuse and a legitimate reason for not taking action. Listen to the full episode here.
Transforming “Can’t” into “Choose Not To”
When you catch yourself saying, “I can’t ______ because _______,” try swapping out “can’t” with “choose not to” and notice your reaction. If this makes you uncomfortable or gives you that “Ouch” feeling, you’re likely making an excuse for not moving forward. This calls for brutal honesty with yourself. Conversely, if it feels right and justifiable, you’re likely dealing with a legitimate reason and can set that activity aside with confidence.
My Experience with Excuses
(Yeah, I have them too!)
There are times when legitimate barriers exist, but often, we grant excuses more “legitimacy” than they deserve. Common excuses revolve around time, money, skill, and frequently, fear.
For example:
- “I don’t have time to work on my art” becomes “I choose not to devote time to my art.” OUCH! This painful reminder forces me to acknowledge a choice I’m making, highlighting the need for honesty.
- “I don’t know how to start my creative project” becomes “I choose not to learn the necessary skills to start my creative project” or “I choose not to start because I’m afraid of making mistakes.” So-what if you do make mistakes! They are part of the learning process.
Here’s one more:
- “I can’t afford to take that art class” becomes “I choose not to spend my money on that art class right now.” This could be a legitimate statement if you have other financial priorities. In that case, you can confidently park this idea for a future time.
Applying This Principle to Your Creative Practice
In your creative journey, it’s vital to confront the excuses that hold you back. Ask yourself:
- Are you avoiding a creative project because you’re afraid of the outcome?
- Do you claim to lack time for your art when, in reality, you’re not prioritizing it?
- Are financial constraints genuinely limiting your creative pursuits, or are there ways to reallocate resources?
Practical Steps to Overcome Excuses
- Identify Excuses and Legitimate Reasons: Write down the reasons you’re not engaging in your creative practice. Substitute “can’t” with “choose not to” and reflect on your reaction.
- Set Clear Priorities: Determine what’s truly important to you. If creativity is a priority, find ways to integrate it into your daily routine.
- Create a Plan: If lack of skills is an excuse, set a plan to learn. If time is the issue, schedule specific times for your creative activities.
- Embrace Mistakes: Understand that mistakes are part of the creative process. They offer valuable lessons and help you grow.
- Reallocate Resources: If financial constraints are holding you back, consider where you can cut back to invest in your creative pursuits. Look for free or low-cost resources and communities to support your journey.
The Point Is –
Being brutally honest with yourself about excuses versus legitimate reasons can transform your creative practice. Recognize the choices you make and how they impact your progress. By addressing excuses head-on and making conscious decisions, you can break free from “learned helplessness” and move confidently towards your creative goals. Remember, The Creative Space is here to support you in overcoming these barriers and reigniting your creative spark. Embrace this journey with honesty and determination…
and watch your creativity flourish.
To learn more about what’s happening at VLS or to have “The Weekly Creative Buzz” delivered right to your inbox, go HERE or click the “LEARN” tab at my website and visit “The Creative Space.”
And don’t forget to join my private Facebook Group, Virginia’s Studio Cats, for inspiration, encouragement, and support.