Of all the reasons a creative may be at an impasse with productivity, one of the toughest to deal with is that of self-criticism. I’ve seen (and experienced) all too often the shutting down of one’s creative process because of over-analysis and the unfounded fear that what is being created “isn’t good enough.”
While there’s always the intimidation of open possibilities [that paralysis of the blank page], the process of editing and self-critiquing is a major threat to creativity. Why? Because, despite our creative essence’s ego, we can get hung up on the idea that what we produce might reveal our flaws or imperfections. When we feel that there’s a standard or reputation to uphold, the creative process can be hindered. Besides, it’s almost natural for the creative to always want to find something new, something better. I mean better to be safe than sorry, right?
Really? Says who? You? Are you the one on the receiving end of your work? And does it really matter?
Sure, we need to like what we produce, but not to the extent that it paralyzes us. Inertia is powerful. Fear even more so. It’s easier and safer to keep doing nothing than to put yourself out there. So, someone may not like it. Yeah, and…? There are eight billion people on planet Earth, with more arriving daily. I bet, somewhere, someone will appreciate your creations. Most importantly, you’ve gotten things moving and can either “fix it in the mix” or move on to create more.
The points are: Breathe. Relax. Enjoy the journey. It truly is the destination. Like the lyrics in The Carpenters’ song went, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing. Sing a song!” And you’re welcome for the earworm!
Remember, in the macro of your life and life’s creations, blips don’t matter, so create freely. Create for the joy of it. Save the editing and critiquing for some other time or some other person. Just let the ideas flow!
And so… now, it’s time for me to stop editing this and get it posted so that I can move on to the next creation!