How’s your week been? Mine, not so great. After riding a warm and fuzzy creative wave post holidays and launching my new website, I have been feeling pretty creatively blocked of late.
I kind of expected it. Bouts of creative energy are often followed by uncomfortable dry spells, at least for me.
I know I’m not alone as I’ve been hearing a lot of you say that making and sharing art feels like shouting into the void at the moment. It sucks when you pour your heart and soul into your creations, but the support just isn’t there. It can make you question your worth, your talent, and even your decision to pursue your artistic dreams.
If that’s relatable, you can take comfort from is that you are so not alone my friend.
Most artists feel unsupported in their creative endeavours. The reasons are multifaceted – from societal undervaluing of creative work to internalized self-doubt that many artists grapple with, algorithms and financial matters. It’s like we’re swimming against a current of skepticism and insecurity.
And while I’d love to wallow in a “But that’s not fair!” type of tantrum my youngest loves to throw at the moment, I also know that the only way out is through.
So, what can we do about it?
(And yes, note the “we” here as I’m in the trenches just as much as you are.)
First, remember that a lack of support is never a reflection of your worth or talent.
It’s more about the external environment and internal narratives that need shifting.
And there’s only so much you can do about your external support system. If family members or friends don’t support what you do, it can feel really hard and feed into the narrative that you should just quit and focus on a “proper” career (please don’t).
Where you’ve got real agency is on building a robust inner support system, learning to trust your inner voice, and taking small but steady action towards your dreams despite all the doubt.
That’s where coaching comes in, and why I’m so damn passionate about the work I do.
Through coaching, we look to understand the root causes of our self-doubt, validate its voice and learn to not let it take the driver’s seat. As a result, my clients report feeling not only more supported but also more empowered to pursue their artistic dreams.
According to a report by the International Coaching Federation, 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence. That’s a total game-changer for artists who often battle with self-doubt and lack of support.
So, if you’re feeling unsupported and doubting your creative path, remember this: you are worthy, your art is valuable, and there are ways to build the support you need (wink wink).
Remember, the key takeaway here is that support starts from within.
Befriend your self-doubt, trust your inner voice, and let’s create a world where your art thrives.
Much love and creativity, always.
P.S. Why don’t you book a free tea date with me and see if coaching might be right for you? It’s literally a friendly chat over Zoom or WhatsApp with zero obligations.
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