There are so many obstacles to putting something creative out into the world. We battle with our worthiness, our sense that it’s all been said before, or whether what we have to say is of value to others. Yet, above all of those forces, the little gremlin that is my Inner Critic will always be my nemesis…the big boss to beat after all the other levels are cleared.
Brené Brown (the predominant researcher on shame and vulnerability), once described perfectionism as a road trip where shame rides shotgun and fear is that annoying backseat driver trying to call the shots. In order to move forward and keep our sanity, we can’t just eject those “passengers”, but we can acknowledge that they are in the car. We can tell them that they can come along, but they have to stay buckled and they absolutely cannot pick the playlist.
It me. And like, my Inner Critic…Leonard
I remember this analogy often when I see friends who launch creative endeavors, artwork (looking at you, Mike Bencze), or entire businesses built around creativity. I imagine them ghost ridin’ the whip with their inner critic, graciously and playfully, giving that critic something to do while they move in the direction of their purpose.
Heather Spooner is one of those friends who has built an entire business around her creativity and artistic ability. And I gotta tell you, she’s out there in these streets doin’ it right.
Check out episode 2 of “Room in the Margins” podcast here: E2: Heather Spooner, Artist
Thanks for listening!