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MY⚡️Feature
featured piece of advice for creatives and creative leaders
Believe In You
So, I spend a lot of time working with creative people on how they can find clarity in regards to what they want to create, what kind of team they want to build, how to solve their biggest problems, and the exact steps to make those things happen.
There are a lot of obstacles for those of us in the creative industries, who make things, who own businesses, or who lead creative teams. We face ever-changing industries, turning our abstract ideas into actionable steps, and trying to actually get the work done in the face of distraction, fear, and financial limitations. However, none of those things are the problem or difficulty that I see paralyze and defeat creatives most often.
The greatest obstacle we sometimes face as creatives and creative leaders is simply believing in ourselves.
Do you believe in yourself?
There are several reasons we lack confidence or belief in ourselves as creatives, but I want to encourage you with a few practical things that can help build the confidence you need to do your best work.
Maybe you don’t believe in yourself because you know that your ability isn’t where it needs to be. The good news is you have self-awareness and that’s a valuable thing. Being aware of the truth about your ability (or lack there of) is important.
If you know you need to grow in your ability in order to gain confidence and believe in yourself then GET BETTER!
Last year, I knew that I needed to get better as a mix engineer so I did some research and purchased 2 online courses. Then I built a rhythm to work those courses into my workflow and set a completion date for each one. While I was working on the courses I kept working on mixes that I needed to complete for projects and each mix got better and better. With that my confidence grew and though I still have a lot of room for improvement I can hear my progress. That helps build my confidence and belief in myself that I actually can do this.
We live in a time where you can learn to do almost anything online and you can learn how to get better at almost anything your doing. There are individuals offering courses as well as companies like Masterclass and BBC Maestro that offer courses with people who are the best in the world at what they do.
If your lack of ability is robbing you of believing in yourself then go get better and watch your confidence grow.
However, it could be that you’re pretty great and what you do, but comparison with other people is causing you to lack belief in yourself.
In this age of social media we see everyone’s “highlight reel” and compare it with our “behind the scenes”. We see everyone’s best work and compare it with our worst. But remember, you only see what people want you to see.
One thing I’ve discovered over the past year in particular as I’ve been full time in the music world is that all of us are dealing with the same issues and trying to overcome the same problems. It’s true that there are people better than me and better than you at what we do, but being better than someone else isn’t the goal. The goal is being a better version of yourself and doing the best that you can do.
Here’s a few practical things that you can do if comparison is robbing you of self-confidence.
1.) Follow some fresh, positive people on social media
2.) Unfollow the negative
3.) Take a break from social media all together
4.) Only compare your work against your work
5.) Surround yourself with honest, but encouraging people
Maybe it’s not a lack of confidence in your ability or the comparison game that keeps you from believing in yourself. It could be the imposter syndrome that we all deal with to varying degrees, it could be physical fatigue, it could be depression, it could be a myriad of issues, but whatever you think it could be I encourage you to deal with it appropriately.
There is no way that you or I will do our best work if we don’t believe in ourselves. Self-confidence isn’t a bad thing, it isn’t prideful or arrogant. We need to believe in ourselves and we should. If you’re ability is holding you back then commit to growth. If comparison is holding you back change your environment. If it’s something else confront it head on and appropriately.
Believe in yourself… we need you, we need your art.
I coach creative people almost every day and I would love to help you. If you want to grab a free 30 minute call and see if creative coaching can help you just CLICK HERE.
MY⚡️Follows
History Photographed
(@historyphotographed) is a fantastic account that posts inspiring and interesting facts about some of the greatest moments in history as well as unique perspectives on current events.
Outlaw Poets
(@outlawpoets) is an account that shares some of the most impactful and inspiring quotes from poets, writers, and creatives throughout history. They also post excerpts from the greatest works of some of those incredible poets and authors. I repost things from this account all the time.
Pants Pants
(@pantspants) is one of the finest comic accounts on IG. The visuals are unique and quirky and the brand of humor is definitely specific. However, it’s my favorite. My friend Timmy bought me one of their books for my birthday a couple of years ago. I’m a huge fan and you should be too.
MY⚡️Finds
cool stuff I found this week
Bit Midi
Bit Midi is an incredible website and resource as well. They have listenable and downloadable midi files from over 100,000 of the world’s most popular songs. It’s curated by people from all over the planet and not only is it fun to listen to, but if you make music it’s an incredible resource as well. Check it out!
Loom
Loom has been an indispensable tool for me in this last season and I’ve found a ton of uses for it. Loom is a free app (they have paid versions too) that allows you to be on camera while capturing your screen. I’ve used it to explain how to use the MY⚡️FI Creative Clarity Planner, I’ve used it to explain lyrics to people, I’ve used it to share guitar parts, and so much more. Get it… Use it…
MY⚡️Favorites
some of my favorite sights, sounds, and reads
Luggage Tags
I needed a way to make sure all my gear was labeled for when I was traveling and on gigs. I wanted a luggage tag that stood out visually so I could find it, one that could take a beating, and one that was affordable. I found these on amazon and they’re perfect. Get some for yourself.
Donut Doctor Music
Nicholas is the most practical and best guitar teacher on the internet. I’ve been a subscriber for over a year and I can’t stress enough how helpful his courses and lessons have been. Learning new things, knowing what to practice, and even his insights into the industry have all been so helpful. If you’re a guitarist go subscribe and thank me later!
MY⚡️FI Podcast
a podcast about the journey of creativity
Ep. 041 :: My Favorite Albums of 2023
Join me as I share what albums I loved the most from 2023 and I know that a few are going to surprise you!! If you’re like me during the holidays you spend a lot of time in the car and I knew you would need a good, family friendly episode to listen to. I also wanted to make sure you knew about all these great records that I loved so ENJOY!!!
MY⚡️FI Blog
monthly blog for creatives and creative leaders
Is Something Holding You Back?
On the blog this month I share a little bit about some simple things that could be keeping you from winning in your creative career. You can also check out some past entries on the phases of creativity and the power of creative clarity. Check it out HERE and share the blog with a friend!