Embrace Your Creativity: The Freedom to Create Without Pressure
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Creative Freedom
Have you ever caught yourself imposing strict expectations on everything you do throughout the day, including during your downtime? The constant need to ensure that every action contributes to a larger purpose can be exhausting.
Do you refrain from engaging in activities simply because you doubt your abilities? You might think, "I'm not terrible, but I'll never be as good as that influencer I saw online." Even in private moments, the harshest critic can be yourself.
This cycle can be draining, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Creative endeavors can serve as a form of therapy, providing a welcome escape from a demanding workday. This time is solely for you, allowing you to express yourself freely.
If you're struggling to incorporate creativity into your life but recognize its potential benefits, keep reading.
Section 1.1: Moving Past Comparison
The year 2022 was pivotal for me as I sought activities that would lead to personal growth. Feeling unfulfilled at work prompted me to question my life choices, leading to a classic existential crisis: "What am I doing with my life?"
Although I yearned to chase a dream, I was uncertain what that dream entailed. I had numerous interests, but determining which of my passions could translate into a viable career felt overwhelming.
Instead of taking pride in my Medium publications and honing my writing skills, I found myself embarrassed in comparison to those with massive followings. Rather than feeling joy while playing the piano, I was frustrated by my limitations. And instead of being inspired by TED talks and books, I felt like a fraud for not measuring up to those remarkable individuals.
Each time I derived enjoyment from a creative pursuit, it was tainted by anxiety, as I was acutely aware of the skill gaps I needed to bridge to be 'good enough.' This mindset—pursuing creativity solely to excel—was a significant misstep.
Subsection 1.1.1: Rekindling a Childlike Spirit
Reflect on your younger self, perhaps at ages 8, 10, or 13. Did you possess that wondrous, childlike curiosity? Sure, there were fears—spiders, parental scolding, or the fear of friendships dissolving—but you could immerse yourself in new experiences, creating without concern for judgment or skill.
One of my cherished memories is staying up late crafting digital "icons" of celebrities on Adobe Photoshop for graphic design challenges. I had no aspirations of becoming a designer; I simply lost myself in the process, oblivious to the quality of my work or who might see it.
Can you recall your own versions of such carefree moments? Or perhaps you observe your children enjoying the same freedom now? Kids create not for profit or approval, but simply for the joy of it.
While it's easy to say that children have more free time, if you can dedicate several hours to your job, surely you can carve out at least 15 minutes for yourself.
Section 1.2: Reclaiming Your Creative Mindset
If my words resonate with you, consider this your invitation to take action—your moment to embrace joy in creativity, whatever you choose to call it.
To help you reclaim that creative time, here are some actionable suggestions that have worked for me:
- Close all browser tabs and set a timer for 15 minutes dedicated to writing, drawing, or crafting.
- Practice 'habit stacking' by pairing creative time with an existing routine, like enjoying your morning coffee.
- Add creative pursuits to your to-do list.
- Avoid strict metrics; replace "write 500 words" with "write something."
- Create while watching TV; multitasking can be a helpful strategy.
Let yourself fully engage in whatever creative activity you choose and allow it to transport you.
Personally, I’ve started what feels like a digital coloring book on my iPad using Procreate. I trace images rather than sketching from scratch, but completing a piece fills me with pride, even if it pales in comparison to my favorite illustrators on Instagram.
Whether you discover therapeutic benefits, excitement, a hidden talent, or simply entertainment, the value of dedicating time to creativity far outweighs the monotony of daily work. So why not give it a try?
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you'd like to explore more of my work, feel free to follow me on Medium!
Imogen
Chapter 2: The Impact of Comparison on Creativity
In this insightful video, "How To Stop Comparing | The Mindset Mentor Podcast," the speaker discusses strategies to overcome the destructive habit of comparison, encouraging viewers to embrace their unique journey.
The video "How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others" offers practical tips for breaking free from the cycle of comparison and focusing on personal growth and self-acceptance.