Why You Aren’t Creating Freely Anymore
Let’s keep it simple. You’re no longer creating primarily for yourself—no longer diving into subjects out of curiosity, experimenting just for fun, or expressing what’s truly on your mind. Instead, your inner perfectionist might have taken over, trying to “save the day” by steering you toward what feels safer. It whispers things like:
What will people think? Is this good enough? Will it succeed?
When any kind of creative expression—be it art, performance, writing, or something else—gets hijacked by external expectations, marketing pressures, or the need for validation, we start saying no to the free spirit of creativity. We turn away from what excites us and lights us up inside.
The truth is, the creative spirit is playful, unruly, and refuses to conform to anyone else’s standards.
It doesn’t care about algorithms, trends, or approval. And here’s the hard part: you can’t have both. You can’t guarantee your work will be seen, celebrated, or even understood and create freely at the same time.
But is it worth the risk? I believe it is.
If you want to create from the soul, you have to let go of the need for safety and validation. You have to listen to your inner voice—your curiosity, your instincts, your passion—and let that guide you instead of the nagging voice of self-doubt or perfectionism.
Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s risky. And yes, there might be moments when your work doesn’t resonate with others the way you hoped. But the reward? You’ll create something deeply meaningful to you. And when you do that, there’s a chance it could also strike a chord with others—but that’s just a bonus, not the goal.
So, where do you start? Begin by noticing why you’re creating. Are you driven by curiosity, playfulness, and experimentation? Or is it the voice of self-doubt, perfectionism, or the need to prove yourself?