Creativity

Is The Self-Sabotage Strong in You?

Lynette M Burrows

You’re a creative. Yet, something’s not working. Call it writer’s block or a funk, or whatever. It is keeping you from taking the next step in your current work. Maybe you can work, but oh-so-slowly. When that happens, you need to ask yourself a question. Is the self-sabotage strong in you? What is Self-Sabotage? Any behavior that your success, despite your own wishes, dreams, or values, is self-sabotage. That’s a big definition.  We human beings are really inventive when it comes to self-sabotage. We forget or make a critical mistake. Or we get on social media, play games (online or in person), clean house, or help others, or — the list goes on and on and on. Look at that list. You can easily identify “bad” behaviors. But some actions can be part self-sabotage and part doing what needs to be done. When it’s a dual-purpose act, you often don’t even know you’re being self-destructive. Every time self-sabotage succeeds, it destroys more of your self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and even relationships with other people. And when it succeeds, it convinces your deepest self that you can’t be creative or be successful or be the person you want to be. Why Do […]

You Are Not Your Creation

Lynette M Burrows

You are a creator. You invest a great deal of thought and work on your project. Can you let it go? You must overcome many fears to let go of your creation. Value yourself and trust that you are not your creation.  Overcome Your Fear A creator must overcome many fears: fear of starting, fear of failure, fear of judgment, and the fear of letting go.  Congratulations, you’ve gotten past the “getting started.” You’ve gotten past the fear of failure and completed your project. Then, the fear of judgment raises its ugly head. A professional assesses your project and you improve, thus you’ve mastered that fear. Next, you face the loss of control. You must put your project out for the public to ignore, like, love, or hate. And that fear, the fear of letting go, has you frozen. Your Creation Doesn’t Define Your Value For hours, days, months, or even years while making your creation, it is yours and yours alone. But even if you do not wish to sell your creations—understand you are not your creation.  The core of your self-worth is your view of your worthiness and value as a human being. It is part self-esteem, part […]

Add Power to Your Creativity with the Basics

Lynette M Burrows

Whether you are just learning about your creativity or have been a creative forever, you can add power to your creativity with the basics. Regular review of the basics of your craft will keep your skills sharp. But remember to revisit these eight basics of creativity. That will also sharpen your skills. Create Something Every Day Create even when you don’t feel like it. Be your own boss, expect results. Even if you can only spend fifteen minutes right after you get up or during your lunch break… whenever. Creating something every day is akin to exercising. You strengthen that creative muscle by exercising daily. When your habit is to create something every day, your creativity will be there on the days when you don’t feel like working. Always Have Your Basic Tools on Hand Tools can be anything. Pen, paper, ink, software, hardware, techniques, reference books, even your workspace. It’s okay if you can’t afford the optimal tools right away, but you can grow your collection of tools.  One tool I strongly recommend is an ergonomic workspace. • Practice Your Craft’s Basics All arts have basic rules or guidelines. Make it a habit to review the basics via a […]