For a year, maybe more, I was in deep-searching mode. Following other people who have done it, collecting information, tools, and guides. Anything that sparked fresh thoughts and inventive methods was marked to be revisited and put to use.
Everything was prepared very well, and I was ready to start. But that Day One wasn't coming. Instead of simply hitting the “launch” button, I started looking for excuses not to.
Excuses held me back. The reasons are rooted deep. I was in a whirlwind of doubts. They prevented me from entering the most creative period of my life.
I'm sure you've wandered through these excuses as well …
I don’t have enough time.
I don’t have enough money for the right tools.
I don't have the skills.
I’m afraid of failure.
I don’t have any original ideas.
Waiting for the right time.
I’m not in the mood.
You need to let them go and recap. Because eventually …
✔️ Everyone has 24 hours
We all have the same 24 hours. People make time for their passions and some others create excuses. Simple as that.
✔️ Free tools are available
There is a ton of free information and tools out there these days. In my first year in this business, I spent around 100€. For the whole year! I have spent more on takeaway coffee. Maybe you too.
✔️ You have the number one skill
Creativity is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and consistency. Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your unique voice to do whatever it is that you can offer or want to achieve.
✔️ Don’t be afraid to fail
Failure is a natural part of the creative process. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep going forward. Remember, every “failure” is just a stepping stone toward success. Moreover, your success is not defined by others’ opinions.
✔️ You have your original voice
We are not going to invent the wheel. Someone else did it long ago, and we are remaking it in our realm and rhythm. Everything is based on something else. Put your voice that is unique and original.
✔️ The moment is now
Don’t waste more of your time waiting for the right moment. Most probably you’ll be waiting forever. Learn to find inspiration and make the most of what you have.
✔️ Your mood will be shifted
Creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. Sure, there are such moments, but guess what, they visit us after we show up and do the work. Regardless of your mood, generate daily practice and stick to it. You might be surprised by what you can accomplish with consistency.
Since I started this journey, aside from the fatigue (which I’m not concerned about), I've experienced moments of satisfaction, joy, and contentment.
Since Day One, I always found myself in the whirlwind of creativity. I don't know where this journey will lead me, but I do know this:
I have learned so much more, and my mindset has changed and uplifted.
I have gained countless moments of confidence and bliss.
If there was one thing I would say to myself back then, it’s the same thing I'm telling you now.
Leap forward now. The rest will unfold along the journey.
✍ Prompts for self-coaching
Visualize your ideal creative journey. What steps can you take today to move closer to that vision?
Identify one small action you can take today to boost your creativity or overcome a creative block.