How do you handle the spotlight as a creator?

In the midst of constant distractions, knowing your "why" is vital for creative success. Your "why" encapsulates your purpose, passion, and message. It's your compass and anchor in the creative process. Your purpose is your reason for creating, your passion fuels your drive, and your message defines your impact. Understanding your "why" helps you filter out distractions, stay focused, and remain motivated. This clarity enables you to align your work with your values, saving time and energy. It also fosters authentic connections with your audience. People are drawn to genuine purpose. In essence, knowing your "why" is the key to a meaningful and focused creative journey. So, take time to reflect on it—it's your guiding light.

Simon Sinek stresses the importance of knowing your 'why' in leadership, and I believe it's equally vital for creators, especially those in the spotlight. To lead yourself and your followers effectively, having a clear 'why' is essential. Personally, my 'why' is to share, inspire, and motivate. Despite coming from a unique perspective, I hope people can learn from me in areas like creativity, marketing, or gaming.

Caroline McHughs shared in "The Art of Being Yourself" that Interiority, is a reflection of how you consider yourself as a member of community, as a part of a larger social entity. Using Social as a True Mirror, I consider being social in agreement with how community continuously helps me affirm myself of this Interiority. And it is my why.

Handling the spotlight as a creator is a delicate art. Embrace recognition and use it as motivation, but remain humble. Concentrate on perfecting your craft rather than seeking constant validation. Manage expectations, both your own and others', and be prepared for criticism. Constructive feedback can be invaluable for growth. Prioritize self-care and mental health to avoid burnout. Collaborate with peers to expand your horizons and learn from different perspectives. Continuously evolve your skills and stay adaptable in a changing creative landscape. Use your platform to inspire and connect with your audience genuinely. Strive to maintain authenticity and integrity in your work, even as the spotlight shines brightly. once again: be humble

The spotlight can be intense, so prioritize self-care. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. Respond to comments and messages from your followers. Building a community around your work can be rewarding and helps maintain a loyal fanbase. Remember that success is often the result of hard work and the support of others. Express gratitude to your supporters and collaborators.

In my experience, knowing your boundaries, and your audience and taking care of your mental health plays a pivotal role, however, the spotlight can be handled when you are authentic, the more authentic and humble you are the more the audience will find you credible and they endear you for authenticity

There are boundaries to personal experiences - sharing is appropriate when you edit it, and it doesn't make you cringe inside. I normally don't like being edited, and sometimes I don't read it again - and when I do, there are things affirmed, and there are things that are cringe-y. ("First-person" Delete. Or what is "Self-edit".) Just like your actions - when they are good, make you and others feel well. And when they are not, entirely the opposite happens.

I guess we all like feedback, but I think feedback likes me more. People clamour for feedback, but sometimes are not as forthright in their views back. Until that familiarity and assurance or the "safety in a community" is made a flat mirror - where 180o is two way (all light bounced back, versus a curved or concave mirror) - maybe there is a reserve we need to exercise until we feel safe, in that community.

I am a professional copywriter/ creative from Advertising - so we are the group of old school creators, same craft and intent in sharing, except we are doing them for commissions from brands - as per advertising agency that we work in. The industry might be evolved now - and are differing in the media outputs, where our creations are put (YouTube), or views (twitter, medium) or professional discussions (LinkedIn), but the intent of community, is always there.

A lot of people say “work/life balance” is key, but I disagree. I think life should have priority (and that includes your mental health!) Yes, we need to work to pay the bills, but the mistake a lot of people make is that they make work their life!…it’s not! In the world of Counselling and Psychology, the different places you visit are called “Micro Systems”. Your home is one Micro System, your workplace is another, your sports club is another…you get the idea. How often do you get home from your work place and moan about work? I bet a lot! Everyone does it. This is an example of one Micro System invading another. Part of self care, is to keep your Micro Systems seperate. Had a bad day at work?…leave it at the desk until tomorrow. ??

I yoga, sleep better, and know the line where overworking (which is if you're a bottom-line wage-earner of a copywriter means working only 8 hours a day, unless stipulated in your salary contracts) - used to lie to me saying, "you need to push on, because you are a bad person". I now know which battles to win, which ones to sit out, and which ones to conquer with coffee.

Lean into the unseen work. So much of your life as a creator is “seen.” What are you doing that’s just for you? This could be reading books, exercising, family time — it’s up to you. But you MUST prioritize some selfishness so that you have something left over to give through our content. This can also be where you’ll become inspired for your next creative adventure, so embrace it. If you like the thought of “unseen work” google that phrase and check out my TEDx to my book. Keep creating ????

Be “Self-full” Self-fullness means understanding your needs and the needs of others and knowing how to navigate the tension and boundary setting needed when needs are not met. It is also about emotional regulation and co-regulation. This means, you own the energy you bring into a room and know that you are a grounding, safe presence not just for yourself but also for others. Self-fullness also involves gauging where one is at in any given moment. This self awareness and social awareness provide the barometers in which one interacts with one’s self and with others that is coming from a place of care, connection, collaboration, and community.