Hello, dear reader. Today I want to invite you on a journey of self-reflection and kindness. As a Creativity Coach and artist, I've often encountered a troubling question that I want to pose to you:
Are you being mean to yourself?
It's a question I've personally wrestled with, and I believe many creatives do too. Self-doubt is a sneaky little voice that can chip away at our confidence and hinder our creative process.
I know, it sounds strange at first. But take a moment to consider—how do you talk to yourself? What thoughts fill your mind when you’re working on a creative project, or when you reflect on your progress? If you’re anything like me, you might find that you’re kinder to others than you are to yourself. While you show compassion to those around you, you may be your own harshest critic, berating yourself in ways you would never do to someone else. Expecting impossible results and not giving yourself any credit for all that you've already achieved!
I understand this because I’ve lived it. For years, I was ruthless toward myself, constantly battling voices in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough, that I hadn't done enough, that my dreams were silly, and that I would never succeed. These voices can be incredibly damaging, creating a cycle of self-doubt that stifles creativity and joy.
The first step in overcoming self-doubt for me was to become aware of the negative thoughts running through my mind. Pay attention to the stories you're telling yourself. Are they supportive and encouraging words, or are they critical and judgmental?
The turning point for me came when I recognized that these voices weren’t truly mine. They were borrowed—from past experiences, from cultural expectations, from the environment I grew up in. They didn’t originate from my true self, my intuition, or my soul. Once I realized this, I began to watch these thoughts with a sense of detachment, as if I were observing characters in a movie.
Once you've identified your self-doubting thoughts, it's time to challenge them. You can ask yourself: Are these thoughts based on facts or assumptions? Are they helpful or harmful? These questions allowed me to choose which thoughts to engage with and which to gently thank and send away for a little vacation.
Reprogramming your mind to be kinder to yourself isn’t an overnight process. (I wish!) It takes time and patience, especially when those critical voices have been with you for a long time. But you can start small.
For today—or even just the next five minutes—try choosing a different thought. You have the power to do that, and with practice, you can create a habit of self-compassion. Replace the harsh words with something kinder, something more compassionate. Notice how it feels to listen to that kinder voice, even if it’s just for a moment. Feed and nurture with your attention the thoughts you want to grow and become stronger.
Overcoming self-doubt is a journey, not a destination. By practicing self-compassion, challenging negative beliefs and cultivating a positive mindset, you can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for your creativity to flourish.
These are some strategies that help me:
Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help you gain clarity and perspective.
Visualization: Imagine yourself succeeding in your creative endeavors. This can boost your confidence and motivation.
Seek Support: Connect with other creatives and positive people who support and understand the process.
I like to think of it as an experiment—a way to take the pressure off and lower your expectations. Start with small steps, and be gentle with yourself along the way.
Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes those critical voices will shout louder than others. That’s okay. Take it day by day—or “daily-ish”. Be as empathetic to yourself as you would be to a dear friend, your child or someone you love.
So this is my experience and suggestions with self doubt.. I’m curious, what's your strategy for silencing the mean voices? Share in the comments or directly via email!
And if you want personalised support and guidance just get in touch at monicabalbowatercolour@gmail.com and I'll respond.
Before you go.. let's be friends on socials!
Instagram: @sati.creativity.is.you
Pinterest: saticreativityisyou
Comments