What do you do if your creative potential is hindered by self-doubt and fear of failure?

Combat self-doubt and fear of failure by embracing a growth mindset. Recognize that setbacks are part of the creative process and opportunities for learning. Practice self-compassion and celebrate small victories. Set realistic goals and break tasks into manageable steps. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors. Challenge negative thoughts and focus on the joy of creating. With perseverance and a positive mindset, you can overcome self-doubt and unleash your creative potential.

One of the most important steps is to acknowledge emotions. When you see your fears you can first realize that those feelings are not static or part of who you are, but that in this moment the fears are “happening “. Then you can look at the fears and possible false assumptions. Are these fears well-founded? Partially true? Basically not true? Totally false? That’s a first step.

To address hindrances to creative potential, one might reflect on Rumi's teachings about embracing vulnerability and trusting in the journey of self-discovery. By acknowledging and accepting one's fears and doubts, one can gradually cultivate the courage to move forward and express themselves creatively. Engaging in practices such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking support from mentors or peers can also help in navigating these challenges. Ultimately, it's about embracing the process of growth and learning, recognizing that setbacks and failures are integral parts of the path toward realizing one's creative potential.

Self doubt and fear of failure are never a fun time. It is 100% natural to have both from time to time, especially if you are reaching out and challenging yourself. That's a good thing. The primal brain cower from fear and doubt (ok any negative emotion) because it's job it to protect you. Scanning for danger, in this case fear and doubt, is protective. The way ahead is to anticipate the fear and doubt, be open to it, but do not let it take over. Letting your brain know you appreciate the warning, but you are confident your efforts have value and will be received well. Taking yourself out of the middle and focussing on the job ahead will build the resilience you need now and for that next bigger challenge.

In my experience Reframing fears is a great self loving tool. It's about shifting your mindset from viewing fears as insurmountable barriers to seeing them as challenges that can be overcome or managed. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, instead of thinking, "I'm terrible at this and everyone will judge me," try reframing it to, "This is an opportunity to share something important with others and grow my skills." This approach uses cognitive restructuring, a technique in cognitive-behavioral therapy, to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts that fuel fears. By acknowledging your fears you can reduce anxiety and increase your confidence and resilience. This method doesn't eliminate fearhelps you manage it in a healthier way.

We often see our weaknesses but don’t realize that the other side of that characteristic is a strength. A daydreamer is creative (& can come up with new solutions). Someone who is very particular can be the best controller, and so on. I have a friend who has mastered the use of the word”yet” as written above and it is beginning to change her life. Notice how I used “beginning to “. That’s also something that we can do: acknowledge there’s room for growth and move in the right direction.

The ability to reframe a negative thought is a huge skill to master. Over the years I have come up against "sticky" relationships or encounters that left me feeling resentful, disappointed or lonely. In every case I have been able to holistically take a look at the circumstance, and ask myself, "what else could be true here?" Just that question provides options for reframing the negative thought which of course leads to negative emotion and behavior. It can short-circuit that painful story and provide a spacious and helpful response.

Small, time-bound goals are helpful for change. One of the best models that most of us use is SMART (small and specific, measurable, achievable (doable), relevant to your needs, and time-limited). Of course there are no guarantees,, but if that were true, you wouldn’t need help, sometimes.

Seeking support Itin a coach or mentor is often the best move for accountability, for setting (SMART) goals and reaching them, for new creative ideas, for reframing - and much more. Seek qualified professionals who fit with you and can address your personal needs at the moment. Four eyes and ears with two brains can help move you from stuck to reaching your dreams.

Transformational change is 20% concept and 80% skill level. It's not good enough to read the book, attend a few sessions, and "audit" the coaching concepts. You must embrace, learn and apply them and become a master of them. I call the coaching call the "room where it happens." Those with the curiosity and tenacity that put this work to use in their day to day, progress by leaps and bounds. As with anything, it takes application, and regular practice with a professional to see growth. Once you master the skills, you take it into your life for real results, over and over again!

My brief pointers are: Seek to understand your fears & not suppress them. Have a why (vision/mission/purpose) that's larger than you & your beliefs about you. ?