Creating is a vulnerable task to fulfill and it takes immense courage. As creatives, we can often talk ourselves out of pursuing a project because we are afraid to be vulnerable or afraid others will not receive our work with open arms.

But despite our fears, we have the responsibility to create things. Things meant to be shared, meant to be consumed, meant to resonate. Being courageous enough to create regardless of the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, and/or imposter syndrome is a bold choice. It requires you to admit your flaws, to stay true to yourself, to stop overthinking, and to be compassionate with yourself.

Embrace Your Mistakes

Many of us are perfectionists, so if we don’t get it right, we’re not satisfied. However, perfection is an illusion and instead of striving for perfection, we ought to strive for greatness.

Only the greatest creatives make mistakes. They do not let their mistakes define them or their work, but they learn from their mistakes. Mistakes are simply the building blocks towards greatness. In order to be great, it takes practice and making creative risks.

Don’t let mistakes stop you from starting that project you’ve been wanting to start. Mistakes can be fixed, edited, and removed.

Be Authentic

People gravitate to authentic creativity. That means you don’t need to be anyone but yourself. Those who appreciate you and your work will accept you for you, nothing more and nothing less. In order to create with courage, you must stop comparing yourself to other creatives.
You’re not them and they’re not you—that’s what makes you stand out.

Issa Rae said it best: “Stop trying so hard to be someone you’re not. […] Embrace who you are now. Embrace what makes you different. If people don’t like you for who you are then those people aren’t meant to be in your life.” (Source: YouTube)

Get Out of Your Head

Our thoughts can be our biggest critic. Sometimes we have the tendency to overthink and talk ourselves out of creating. But courage demands us to silence the negative thoughts and judgment.

Instead of being dictated by our negative thoughts, our fears, our critics, we need to redirect our focus. Command your mind: I will create regardless of the outcome. I will create regardless of how I think it will turn out.

Finding the courage to create is dependent upon you taking control of your thoughts.

Show Yourself Grace

Stop being so hard on yourself.

Having the courage and bravery to create means you give yourself the grace that is needed. As creatives, the world already places high expectations on us. You have to consistently post reels on your Instagram. You have to engage with your audience every moment of every day. You have to be working on a new project every week.

It can get exhausting. And there are times we need a break. Give yourself that break. Give yourself the time and space to create freely. Give yourself grace when expectations aren’t met. Be kind and compassionate with yourself even if you find yourself still comparing and critiquing.

Again, we aren’t perfect. We don’t strive for perfection. We strive for greatness.

And greatness is achieved when we find the courage to create.

Further Reading = Visit our Creative Inspiration and Thinking Time list on Bookshop HERE or click below.