Fear and the Creative Process for Photographers
Let’s have a conversation about fear and how it often comes up in the creative process. We've been talking about this a lot in my group coaching program and I myself am experiencing it as I prepare to launch my new Certification Program. Fear is a very natural and normal part of creativity.
I just want to let you know about a quick update to our podcast! As we're moving into the busy season, we've decided we'll be going back to posting new podcasts once a week. So be on the lookout for a new episode every Tuesday!
Fear often comes before clarity.
So this topic came up in my group coaching program because inside The Six-Figure Studio, we talk about clarity. That is the foundation for your brand, and it also gives you great direction in your marketing. And a lot of the time when my students are working through this piece of the program, fear comes up for them. So why does it happen, and how do we get past it when it does?
I personally think that fear comes up for creatives when we are in a place of creating authentically. When you're doing what you think you "should" do instead of what you want to do, it's easier because you're following other peoples' footsteps. Since you've seen others have success with it, it feels proven. But when you're showing up authentically, it's very vulnerable and that brings up fear. You're opening yourself up to judgment and that's scary and risky. So showing up as your true self requires a willingness to face the fear.
Fear is a part of the process!
I can recognize that fear is part of my creative process, and it's just my brain trying to protect me. There's a difference between the fear that comes up during your creative process versus the fear you feel when you're walking down a dark alley alone. They're both trying to keep you safe, but one of them you really need to listen to. So when I face fear, I really try to thank the fear for being here and reminding me to stay vigilant. And then I consciously decide to override my fear instinct in this case and go for it, because I know it's right and I need to do it for my soul.
As creatives, we have a calling. The art that comes can only come through you—no one else can create what you create. So when you're being called to show up and create, I truly believe that is a calling you need to answer.
Fear will inevitably come up, but that's when you get to override that fear instinct and push forward. Being able to name it makes it easier to tame it.
