Creativity: Cut the Comparison
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
So you want to be more creative? What an incredible goal!
Maybe you used to have a free flow of creativity, but now feel stuck. Or maybe you have a million ideas but don’t quite know how to bring them into the world. Or maybe you look at other people and think creativity is something that’s reserved for them and isn’t something that’s accessible to you.
No matter what boat you’re in, I want to encourage you that you are creative. Let me say that again, just so you don’t miss it: you are creative!
I don’t know about you, but I often struggle with comparison. I look at friends of mine and think, “I wish I could create like them. I wish I could produce what they produce. Why can’t I be like them?”
Today, I want to encourage you to set aside that voice of comparison. Promise yourself that you won’t compare your first attempt or your “in progress” with someone’s masterpiece. If you’re just starting to flex your creative muscle, don’t compare yourself to the accomplished creative who’s been honing their craft for decades.
Choose to compare yourself to yourself. In what areas have you improved? Celebrate those improvements even if they’re small.
Maybe you’ve grown in your technique.
Or created some consistency in your creativity.
Or maybe you’ve even made a few bucks off of your creativity.
All of these are causes to celebrate!
I’m terrible at this. I forget to celebrate milestones or victories for myself and instead choose to go full speed ahead to the next idea or project or thing that is waiting to be created. I just go from idea to idea without taking the time to recognize improvements or celebrate successes. But I’m learning that there’s value in celebrating milestones and improvements. These moments of celebration help give motivation and momentum to keep moving forward.
We’re not going to stay camped out in celebration land forever; we’re going to dive into some ways to improve, hone, and unleash your creativity, but first, we're going to enjoy.
Reflection
Write down where you are currently in your creativity.
How often do you set aside time in your schedule to create?
What are you creating currently?
Why do you want to grow your creative muscle?
And, where have you come from creatively?
Take time to celebrate where you’re at creatively. Invite someone else to the party who is excited for you and champions you!
