In the realms of creativity, embarrassment is often an insidious barrier to self-expression and artistic growth. While it may seem mino, the fear of embarrassment can stifle our creative impulses and prevent us from reaching our full artistic potential. Here’s how embarrassment acts as an enemy to both expression and artistry, and how we can combat it to unleash our TRUE unabashed, creative selves.
The Chilling Effect of Embarrassment
Embarrassment, by its very nature, is a self-conscious emotion. It rears its ugly head when we feel exposed or judged, often leading to a paralysis of expression. For artists, this fear of being judged or ridiculed can be a formidable obstacle. When we worry about how our work will be perceived, we hold back, second guess ourselves & alter our vision. Sometimes we (I) can even abandon projects altogether. This self-censorship is detrimental to genuine artistic expression, which thrives on authenticity and boldness.
The Creative Process and Vulnerability
Art is inherently a vulnerable act. It requires us to expose parts of ourselves that might be raw, unpolished, or unconventional. When we allow embarrassment to dictate our creative choices, we often default to SAFE! Using boringly conventional approaches that lack depth and originality. True artistry involves taking risks and embracing the possibility of failure, something that’s fundamentally at odds with the desire to avoid embarrassment. The most groundbreaking works often come from moments of daring vulnerability, not from a place of cautious self-protection.
Overcoming the Embarrassment Barrier
- Embrace the Process: Recognize that embarrassment is a natural part of the creative journey. Every artist has faced criticism, rejection, and moments of self-doubt. By acknowledging that these experiences are part of the process, we can re-frame embarrassment as a sign of growth rather than a deterrent.
- Cultivate a good mindset: Shift your focus from worrying about how your work will be received to valuing the act of creation itself. Understand that each piece of art, whether successful or not, contributes to your development as an artist. The more you create, the more you learn and evolve. It’s all about growth!
- Create in Private: Create for yourself first, without the pressure of an audience. This can help you tap into your true creative voice without the immediate fear of judgement or scrutiny.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Feedback from trusted peers can provide valuable insights and reduce the fear of negative judgment. It’s important to differentiate between constructive feedback and mere criticism that stems from personal biases.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that making mistakes is part of the artistic journey. Self-compassion can help you navigate moments of embarrassment with resilience and continue to push forward despite setbacks.
The Freedom of Letting Go
Ultimately, overcoming embarrassment is about liberating yourself from the constraints of what other people think of you. When you let go of the fear of judgment, you open up to new possibilities and experiences. Art flourishes when we dare to be ourselves, imperfections and all, and when we embrace the uncertainty that comes with creative exploration.
By acknowledging and addressing the role of embarrassment in our creative lives, we can reclaim our artistic freedom! We can then express ourselves fully and authentically. Embrace the discomfort, push past the barriers, and let your artistry shine through unfiltered and unabashed.
I love you,
Stephen.
