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Impulses: Embrace Life as a Creative Adventure offers a bi-weekly infusion of creative juice. Enrich your life and creativity with tips, stories and inspiration for juicy living.

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Life as a Creative Adventure
Published by Cynthia Morris since 2001                                                November 12, 2008

Impulses: The Top  Fear Creatives Face


I’m writing from a tiny village in the middle of the Black Mountains in the south of France. I’m enjoying a three-week creative retreat at La Muse. Truth be told, I’m not really retreating from work, but from the hubbub of urban life. The mountain air and quiet are helping me make progress on all of my projects. You can read all about it at my Journey Juju blog.

This week’s Impulses addresses what I believe is the number one fear creative people face. Fear of the creative process can make creating a miserable endeavor, if we can even do it at all. I’m also taking on common creative fears on the Original Impulse blog. Every Monday, look for my articles on common fears and my solutions for overcoming them.

It’s not too late to sign up for the Travel Writing conference in Panama, where I’ll be speaking on how to develop your own tours. It’s the first weekend in December and should be packed with useful information on how to make money as a traveler.

Be well, write often and read good books,

Cynthia
 

 The Top Fear Creatives Face

I think I’ve identified the number one fear that creative people have – this haunting question: Can I do it? This question lurks at the edges of the creativity zone, paralyzing us and instilling fear in our project. Instead of passion and enthusiasm, we feel fear around our project. And like most fears that hamper our art making, it lives only in our heads. It’s not real. It’s just your mind making you think the thought is reality. How can you answer, or respond to the question: Can I do it?

You could say, I don’t know if I can do it: I’ve never done this before. But then look at the trail of your life – it’s filled with things you’ve never done before.

You could say, I don’t know how. But then you can look for resources that show you how. Who says you have to know everything? Not knowing humbles you and causes you to ask for help. Know what you need, seek it, and ask for it.

You could say, I don’t have the talent or skills to do this. But you develop your talent and skills from doing things that are beyond your perceived capacity. Talent and skills don’t grow like a mushroom in a forest overnight, they are cultivated by regular attention and use.

Perhaps questioning your ability to do something is a good sign that you’re on a creative edge. You’re stretching past your known capabilities. This offers an excellent marker for creative growth.

Next time you question your ability to undertake a project, step away from the question and into action. When you have a paralyzing question, notice that it is stopping you, not helping you move forward. Try asking another question. Make sure it’s one that will yield insight or action. I suggest you jettison the questioning mode (leaving behind living solely in your mind) and take the first step toward your project.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or in your newsletter, and when you do, be sure to include this complete credit line:  Copyright 2008 Cynthia Morris. Cynthia coaches creative people to confidence and completion and inspires life as a creative adventure. Visit http://www.originalimpulse.com to get an infusion of inspiration for your art, writing and life.

Ready to Leap into Writing?

If you’re ready to dip your toe, nay, your whole foot into the writing zone, my e-book Unleash Your Writing will make it easy and fun. You’ll be amazed at how these simple tools will get you going sooner rather than later. Pick up your copy today! Psst… these tools work for personal or professional projects!

See more exclusive ideas from Original Impulse to make creating easier at our online store
 

 Creative Resources

Glean more creative inspiration at my blogs, and while there, subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!  Just click on the name of the blog and you’ll be whisked right there!
 

Original Impulse Blog

  • Read my brief haiku-type missives and recommended resources on my Twitter (on right hand side of the blogs)

  • Tackling Creative Fears: November Series every Monday

  • Naughty Paris book sale for North American residents and US book tour news

  • I’m always reading something new – check it out on both blogs under Current Reads (left hand column)
     

Journey Juju Blog

  • The Quiet Life at La Muse

  • Going Local in Labastide

  • Beginning of Art Every Day Month

  • Blind Date with Girona

  • My Iberian Art
     


Creative Prompt

Formerly the impulse writing prompt, these prompts can be used for any type of creativity. Draw, paint, sing, start a conversation, or write on the following prompt. Have fun with it and feel free to share the results with me. This week’s prompt: I can do...


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Contact Cynthia Morris

Contact
Cynthia Morris, Original Impulse
303.442.0664