Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk

1. Everyone is inherently creative, regardless of age or background

"Every single one of us is born with an imagination, and a primal urge to make things—things like fire, and cities, and cakes, and books, and shoes, and vegetable gardens, and breakfast."

Creativity is universal. We are all born with the ability to imagine and create, but many of us lose touch with this innate skill as we grow older. Society often reinforces the false notion that creativity is reserved for a select few "artistic" individuals. However, creativity manifests in countless ways beyond traditional art forms.

Reconnect with your creative self. To rediscover your creative spark:

• Recall childhood activities that brought you joy and creative fulfillment
• Try simple, low-pressure creative projects like collages or free writing
• Embrace the fun and messy aspects of creation, letting go of perfectionism
• Recognize that it's never too late to start a creative pursuit

2. Excuses are the enemy of creativity - prioritize and schedule creative time

"If you're serious about being a creative person, then be serious about it."

Identify and overcome excuses. Common excuses for not engaging in creative work include lack of time, fear of failure, and perfectionism. These often stem from an inner critic or societal pressures. Recognize these as self-imposed barriers and challenge them.

Make creativity a priority. To overcome excuses and nurture your creative life:

• Schedule dedicated creative time in your calendar
• Start with small, manageable creative sessions (even 15-30 minutes)
• Create a designated space for your creative work
• Set realistic goals and deadlines for your projects
• Find accountability partners or join creative groups
• Remember that consistency is more important than long, sporadic sessions

3. Labels limit creativity - embrace your multifaceted identity

"Labels are for canned peaches, not people."

Challenge limiting self-perceptions. We often label ourselves or allow others to label us in ways that restrict our creative potential. These labels might be based on our profession, education, or past experiences. Recognize that you are not defined by a single aspect of your identity.

Embrace your complexity. To break free from limiting labels:

• Identify any labels you've internalized that hold you back creatively
• Explore creative pursuits outside your usual comfort zone
• Remind yourself that you can be multiple things simultaneously (e.g., a parent, a professional, and an artist)
• Focus on the process and joy of creating rather than defining yourself by the outcome
• Seek out role models who have successfully pursued diverse creative paths

4. Overcome the fear of the blank page through experimentation

"Ugly is a perfect place to start."

Start with imperfection. The blank page can be intimidating, often leading to creative paralysis. Embrace the idea that your first attempts don't need to be perfect – they just need to exist. Starting with intentionally "ugly" or imperfect work can free you from the pressure of creating something brilliant right away.

Strategies to overcome blank page syndrome:

• Use prompts or constraints to give yourself a starting point
• Begin with rough sketches, outlines, or stream-of-consciousness writing
• Collage or remix existing materials as a jumping-off point
• Set a timer and create without judgment for a set period
• Use unconventional materials or techniques to shake up your process
• Remember that editing and refining come after the initial creation

5. Transform creative jealousy into motivation and inspiration

"Jealousy was my green light."

Reframe jealousy positively. Creative jealousy is a common experience, but it doesn't have to be destructive. Instead of letting envy discourage you, use it as a signpost for your own aspirations and areas for growth.

Harness jealousy productively:

• Identify specifically what you admire about others' work
• Use that admiration to set personal goals and learn new skills
• Reach out to creators you admire for advice or collaboration
• Create an "inspiration board" of work that motivates you
• Focus on your unique perspective and what you bring to your craft
• Remember that success in creative fields is rarely overnight – look beyond the surface to see others' hard work and dedication

6. Silence your inner critic and embrace imperfection

"Your inner critic isn't in charge; you are."

Recognize and challenge negative self-talk. The inner critic often stems from past experiences, societal pressures, or fear of failure. While self-reflection can be valuable, an overly harsh inner voice can paralyze creativity.

Strategies to manage your inner critic:

• Name your inner critic to create distance from its voice
• Write down critical thoughts and challenge their validity
• Reframe negative self-talk into constructive feedback
• Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that all creators face doubt
• Focus on the process and learning rather than perfect outcomes
• Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your creativity
• Keep a file of positive feedback or accomplishments to reference when doubt creeps in

7. Use criticism as fuel for growth, not a reason to quit

"No one can wrestle the pencil out of your hand."

Separate criticism from self-worth. Receiving criticism, especially harsh or unfair criticism, can be deeply painful. However, it's crucial to remember that criticism of your work is not a judgment of your value as a person or your potential as a creator.

Turning criticism into growth:

• Allow yourself to feel hurt, but don't dwell in that emotion
• Look for any constructive elements within the criticism
• Seek feedback from multiple sources to gain perspective
• Use criticism as motivation to refine your skills or try new approaches
• Remember that even successful creators face criticism and rejection
• Focus on creating for yourself first, rather than trying to please everyone
• Develop resilience by continuing to create despite setbacks

8. Redefine failure as an essential part of the creative process

"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." - Truman Capote

Embrace failure as learning. Fear of failure often holds us back from taking creative risks. However, failure is an inevitable and valuable part of the creative process. Each "failure" provides information and experience that can lead to future success.

Shifting your perspective on failure:

• Set learning goals alongside performance goals for your projects
• Document your creative process, including mistakes and revisions
• Celebrate the act of trying something new, regardless of the outcome
• Share your failures with other creators to normalize the experience
• Study the "failures" of successful creators you admire
• Use failed attempts as raw material for new projects
• Remember that persistence through failure is often the key to breakthroughs

9. Share your work to find support and break out of creative isolation

"Creativity needs sunshine to grow, not just daylight."

Break out of creative isolation. Working in isolation can lead to stagnation, self-doubt, and lack of motivation. Sharing your work, even if it feels vulnerable, can provide valuable feedback, support, and new perspectives.

Building a creative community:

• Start small by sharing with trusted friends or family members
• Join or create a local creative group or online community
• Attend workshops, classes, or creative events to meet like-minded people
• Collaborate on projects with other creators
• Offer constructive feedback to others to build reciprocal relationships
• Use social media mindfully to connect with a wider creative community
• Remember that vulnerability in sharing often leads to deeper connections

10. Creative blocks are normal - use strategies to work through them

"Blocks are just part of the deal."

Normalize creative blocks. Periods of creative block are a common experience for all creators, regardless of their level of success or experience. Rather than seeing blocks as failures, view them as natural parts of the creative cycle that can be worked through.

Strategies for overcoming creative blocks:

• Change your environment or work in a new location
• Engage in a different creative activity to spark inspiration
• Set small, achievable goals to build momentum
• Use constraints or prompts to give yourself a starting point
• Take breaks and allow time for unconscious processing
• Revisit old ideas or unfinished projects with fresh eyes
• Collaborate with others to gain new perspectives
• Remember that showing up consistently is more important than waiting for inspiration to strike

Last updated: January 25, 2025