Procrastination { This week in Creativity }
One challenge that has been on my mind a lot lately is the struggle with procrastination. I believe many of you who pursue creative endeavours can relate to this issue. As a painter with collectors patiently waiting for artwork, I feel the pressure to impress them and create art that I am truly proud of. However, there always seems to be something standing in the way—a untidy studio, unfinished online work, a cluttered mind. The truth is, these obstacles can never be fully eliminated. Life keeps happening, and there will always be something that competes for our attention before our creative work.
Digging deeper, I've realised that my procrastination is rooted in fear. Fear of failure, fear of being seen, fear of not liking what I create, and even fear that my collectors won't appreciate it. There's also a more profound fear—the fear of embracing a new and more authentic creative space. Stepping into this realm requires me to fully show up, embrace who I am, and own my unique creations.
To overcome my procrastination, here are the steps I've been taking:
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Creating more structure: I have been dedicating specific time for what truly matters, prioritising my creative work.
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Honesty with my collectors: I've found that being transparent about my fears and open about my process with my collectors has been incredibly liberating. Their kindness and patience have alleviated some of the pressure I put on myself, allowing me to create from a place of authenticity rather than anxiety about performance.
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Showing kindness to myself: Perhaps the most crucial aspect is being kind to myself. Recognising that fears and insecurities are part of being human and acknowledging our own processes. Awareness is the first step towards change.
Let's remember that creativity is a journey, and we all face obstacles along the way. By embracing our fears, creating structure, and being compassionate towards ourselves, we can navigate through procrastination and continue to nurture our creative souls.
Keep making, creating, and embracing your unique artistic voice!
All my love,
Amy