Why You Should Follow Your Creative Dreams
Starting a new endeavor can be extremely terrifying. Whether it’s writing a book or cleaning out a linen closet, starting any kind of project comes with its own unique challenges. If you have a creative project you’ve been desperate to start, we think you should go for it this year. From starting a podcast to taking a ceramics class, artistic outlets are a great way to reduce stress, get your feelings out, and connect with other people.
Follow along as we give some tips (and tricks!) on how to overcome your fears and take steps to make your creative dreams come true.
Fear is the Enemy
In the words of the famous Ru Paul Charles, you can’t let your inner saboteur get the better of you. Everyone, from the most successful and famous artists to people just starting out, has a voice inside their minds that says they aren’t good enough. That there is no reason to be creative. That people will make fun of them or think they’re being selfish.
Our advice? Learn to overcome those doubts and fears. Art and creativity have been portrayed as vapid or eccentric in most of our modern media, but this simply isn’t true. Give yourself an outlet to express your inner world and see if it helps to provide peace and confidence in day-to-day life. No one says you have to be a master chef or a world-renowned painter. Do the creative thing because you want to, and don’t be afraid of what anyone else will say or think.
Start Small
When it comes to creative endeavors, it’s always best to start square one. As with anything, setting small, reasonable goals is the surest way to succeed. If you’ve always wanted to write a book, start with a series of daily writing prompts. This will get you in the habit of putting words down and make it easier to chip away at a larger project.
Other ideas include taking classes at a local studio or watching YouTube videos to get a feel for what artistic outlets interest you. You might take a writing class and hate it, but dancing really lights your fire. Remember, creative outlets include a vast array of disciplines. You may find making turtles out of buttons is your thing. Whatever it is that helps you create, start small to reach your goals.
Don’t Give Up
While it’s perfectly reasonable to take breaks from a project or to move between disciplines, we strongly encourage you not to give up. Some artistic pursuits are easy to learn the basics, but then become difficult as you continue in the process. Don’t give up! Writing a short prompt or journal entry may be easy but it is more difficult to complete an entire story. Push through! You may not be able to make sourdough bread straight out of the gate, but you can get there with time and practice.
Perseverance is often undervalued in artistry. It is a common mistake to think that talent makes up ninety-five percent of success. You can be a talented musician, but without practice, you’ll never learn to play the guitar. Keep at your dreams. They make time, but it will be worth it in the long run.
We encourage everyone to find an outlet that suits them. From dance to oil painting to baking, there’s a creative pursuit for everyone. Make this year the time to reach for the stars and claim your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some artistic outlets I can try?
Pottery, stained glass, and music are great options for people just starting out in a creative space. Remember, many things can be an outlet for creativity. Try cooking a new recipe, making a collage, or doing a paint-by-number. Anything to focus your energy and get your emotions out.