I've got no steps or secret techniques that completely cure creative anxiety. It's just one of those things that creep back in from time to time. The only thing I've got are two lists to share with you. And I think that may just help a little. Because I've talked to many friends that have similar days. And it's okay to feel this way:
I used to care about what I do. I think. Do I care enough?
Does my work even matter?
Did I choose the right discipline?
Am I behind?
Am I out of touch?
What do I even do next?
I don't even know what I'm good at.
There are so many people better than me.
Am I delusional?
I'm so behind on social media.
The world is ending.
I'm the worst.
I'm a failure.
I want to do that thing, but I feel so overwhelmed.
There are days where all of these things feel real. And true. And maybe they are true and maybe they are not.
But the best thing to do is not to dwell, but to do.
Do the work.
Do the discipline over and over again.
Do the next right thing.
Do the thing you think is in touch.
Do your best guess at what is next.
Do your best guess at what you're good at.
Don't compare yourself. EVER.
You may be delusion and that's okay. We all are.
Do the next social post.
The world isn't ending, today.
Do something and you won't be the worst.
Do something, just try. If you don't try then maybe you are a failure.
Do the thing.
Try it. And don't give up.
"Because the best antidote to anxiety is action. " - someone smarter than me said that. I don't remember who.
Comments