Smashing the Inner-Critic
Tips for combating self-doubt, fear & unworthiness ... so you can get down to your ART
Whenever I teach my Solo Show Creation Lab, the biggest recurring concern across groups of artists is the inner-critic.
The inner-critic is that voice in your head, telling you what you're creating is garbage, that it'll never be good enough, that no one cares about what you have to say and/or you should give up before you start.
The voice of the inner-critic comes in may be loud, nagging and persistent. But it appears in many different tones, volumes and frequencies.
However it pops up, this voice can wreak havoc on your creative work.
If you have a vocal inner-critic, you're in good company.
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you silence that voice... Or at least keep it in check, so you can make progress with your art.
Short-Term Approach
• Give yourself total permission to write badly, to make work that’s messy and keep going. Simply aim to keep creating in the face of doubt, fear and inner-criticism.
• Jolt yourself into action by setting a deadline. Arrange to perform some of your project somewhere, or set up a deadline with a friend who won't let you off the hook.
• Embrace the feelings the inner-critic brings up in your creative work. Ask yourself where doubt, worry, shame, etc. exist in your piece and let them be part of the art rather than opposed to it.
• Fill your workspace, and head, with wise words of encouragement. If you like quotes, buckle up! Here are a few I have on the wall by my desk:
"No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others." - Martha Graham
"Do not be afraid to be weak. Do not be ashamed to be tired. You look good when you're tired. You look like you could go on forever. Now come into my arms. You are the image of my beauty." - Leonard Cohen
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Long-Game Approach
From what I understand, the wrestle with the inner-critic is a long one. Something that artists get better at dealing with, and more comfortable with, over time. They each develop their own thought patterns and techniques to carry on without being stifled by it.
In addition to the short-term approach, I think we have to tackle the inner-critic on a deeper, ongoing manner. Personally, I've found therapy, self-help books, meditation, being in nature, taking a break from booze, doing activities that make me sweat and taking in other peoples' art useful.
Some Book Recommendations for your long-game:
• 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron - A classic. Exercises to unleash the artist within whether its your profession or not. I did the morning pages on/off for 6 years.
• 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield - A rousing call to action for anyone who feels they don't have time or who struggles with procrastination.
• 'Letters to a Young Poet' by Rilke - Gorgeous compendium as you embark or a new creative pursuit. Deeply assuring and inspiring.
+ Podcasts - How to Fail by Elizabeth Day & Magic Lessons by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you like Magic Lessons, try her Ted Talk.
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