3 Ways To Increase Your Self-Believe As An Artist
We all know the feeling of self-doubt that comes with putting ourselves out there and facing potential rejection. But for us artists, this uncertainty can often be debilitating due to our intimate connection to the work.
Working in solitude only magnifies these fears until our own confidence is left decimated – leaving us hovering nervously over a project we no longer trust or recognize as ours!
Believe in yourself and the possibilities are endless! They say.
It may sound simple, but taking that first step to believe in your own artistic capabilities can be daunting.
How do you begin?
Where do you start?
Start by acknowledging the power of self-belief - allowing it to guide and motivate you on a journey towards success!
No matter how much talent you may have, it can often take a backseat if you’re lacking self-confidence.
As an artist and mentor, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many artists. Some of them have created amazing work that took my breath away - (and almost make me wish I had painted them myself).
Yet, despite this abundant talent, a common theme remained: too often these artists lacked belief in their own potential as artists.
It’s heartbreaking to witness such untapped passion.
It doesn’t really matter where this negative belief comes from.…over the years we’ve all been conditioned to believe certain things. Maybe you heard it from somewhere, at school, at home: that your creative endeavours are something to be laughed at, or aren't worth pursuing.
But don't believe this fabricated nonsense; even if those stories or comments have left their mark on you, there's no reason for your passion to fade away into the distant background!
The key is reframing how we think about creativity - embracing its power unconventionality. So take a step back and explore all the creative possibilities that await you.
Let’s face it….there will always be those people who love telling you what you cannot do. Let them have their say and move on…they mean NOTHING.
So how do you start believing in yourself as an Artist?
Here are three ways to grow into yourself.”.
Paint A Picture Of Your Future Self
Dare to envision yourself as your best self - the artist you want to be!
It’s time to take control of the artist, that lives within you. Contrary to what you might think, this isn't impossible!
Eleanor Roosevelt was spot on with her famous quote: “Fake it till you make it".
Don't be afraid - start believing in who YOU can become and trust the process (it's all part of achieving success).
➤ Surround yourself with people, including other artists who support your aspirations and dreams. A supportive network can act as inspiration for what is possible.
2. Experiment With Words
Ready for a little experiment?
Replace "I've got to..." with "I get to!" and see how your attitude towards something changes!
Say the same sentence using both versions, like “I’ve got to go into the studio and finish that painting," then switch it up - ” I get to go into the studio and finish that painting.
How does it feel now?!
Try this out on any task you don't enjoy; you might be surprised by just changing one word in your statement!
➤ Take note of the negative messages you tell yourself about what is possible and write them down. Next, shift the message by changing pessimistic statements to more positive ones.
3. Start Doing It
Are you ready to take your creativity to the next level?
Make a plan and commit. Jot down ways which can help you grow.
For example:
Taking a workshop
Exploring new painting styles or topics,
Reading some art books?
Talking to someone you wish to mentor you
Put your ideas on a post-it note as tangible reminders!
Then make sure that within four weeks, at least one of them is done - so no more procrastinating - let's get started now!
➤ Find your voice as an artist. Finding your voice will help you build confidence that will carry you through times of doubt. Understanding and appreciating your own unique perspective as an artist will contribute enormously to your motivation, work ethic and sense of potential.
The key here is ACTION. Taking action is a great way to assert your own power. Believe in yourself and don't let anyone stop you from achieving what you want! Harness the incredible control that lies within, take it into your hands and make it work for YOU - run towards reaching whatever goals are important to you.
Let me know if this helps.