WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?
Identify the Creative Demons Blocking Your Path to Success!
So, what’s your problem? Let’s talk about the real stuff. The messy stuff. The kind of stuff that makes you question yourself and doubt why you even started in the first place. Well, if you’re a creative, entrepreneur, artist, or even an ambitious goal-setter, chances are you’ve faced more roadblocks than you care to admit along your journey. But here’s the kicker: to solve any of these problems you face, you have to identify them first!
And trust me, you're not alone in these struggles. I recently ran a poll on social media, and the results were eye-opening:
- 71% of you battle Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Failure (ouch).
- 58% face Creative Block
- 47% worry about Financial Insecurity and Time Management
- Not to mention a handful of others like the emotional gut punch of Isolation, Criticism/Rejection and the Pressure to Constantly Innovate.
Sounds familiar? Thought so. But let's unpack these common challenges and, first of all try to understand them. Because once we understand our demons, we can learn how to face them and beat them as the heroes in our own stories!
“For the hero, fear is a challenge and a task because only boldness can deliver from fear. And if the risk is not taken, the meaning of life is somehow violated, and the whole future is condemned to hopeless staleness, to a drab grey.”
THE CREATIVE DEMONS!
1. Imposter Syndrome: "Am I Even Good Enough?"
Ah, the classic “Who do I think I am?” feeling. Imposter Syndrome sneaks in just when you’re about to step out of your comfort zone. Suddenly, all your past achievements feel like flukes, and you’re convinced everyone will find out you’re a fraud.
But here’s the truth: everyone feels this at some point. Yes, even the people you look up to.
2. Fear of Failure: "What If I Mess This Up?”
In the poll, 71% admitted to wrestling with this ugly beast. Fear of failure doesn’t just whisper in your ear—it screams. Loudly.
But here’s the thing: failure is part of the process. Every setback is a stepping stone. Think of it like creative fertiliser, it stinks, but it helps you grow.
3. Creative Block: "I’ve Got Nothing!”
The blank canvas, the blinking cursor, the endless feeling of nothingness. Yep, creative block hits hard. And according to our poll, 58% of you face it.
Instead of seeing it as a dead end, think of it as a signal to take a break, change your perspective, or simply try something different. Creativity needs room to breathe, so step back and let it come to you naturally.
4. Financial Insecurity: "Can I Afford to Keep Doing This?”
Nearly half of you are worrying about money, and it’s no wonder. The starving artist stereotype? Sadly, still a reality for many. It’s tough to balance passion projects with paying the bills.
You have to focus on your basic needs first (Very Maslow!). It’s ok if your passion isn’t paying the bills yet. Keep going because one day it might!
5. Time Management: "How Do I Fit It All In?”
47% of you struggle with time management, which is no surprise when you’re juggling jobs, family, multiple projects (and probably a few side hustles too). It’s hard to prioritise when everything feels urgent.
But here’s the secret: not everything is urgent. Figure out what truly matters, and learn to say “no” to the rest. Protect your creative time fiercely!
6. Exposure & Recognition: "Does Anyone Even Know I Exist?”
You’ve poured your soul into your work, and now what? Crickets. Getting noticed in today’s saturated market feels like trying to shout in a thunderstorm.
The trick? Consistency and authenticity. Keep showing up, keep sharing your story, and trust that the right audience will find you.
7. Balancing Artistic Integrity with Commercial Success: "Sell Out or Stay True?”
Here’s the eternal creative dilemma: do you make what you love or what sells? Sometimes it feels impossible to do both. The pressure to create commercially viable work can make you feel like you’re betraying your true vision.
But guess what? You can do both. The key is finding overlap—creating what feels true to you while recognizing the market’s needs.
8. Isolation & Loneliness: "Am I Doing This Alone?”
Creating or being an entrepreneur is often a solo endeavour, and let’s be honest—it can get lonely. When you spend most of your time in your own head, self-doubt creeps in faster than you can say “brainstorm.”
Find your tribe. Whether it's an online community, a local meet-up, or just one person who gets it—connect with others who are on the same journey.
9. Criticism & Rejection: "Why Doesn’t Anyone Like My Work?”
Nothing stings quite like pouring your heart into something only to be met with silence, or worse—criticism. Rejection is tough, but it’s also a badge of honour. The more you put yourself out there, the stronger you become.
Remember, even the greatest artists faced rejection. Don’t let it define your worth.
10. The Pressure to Innovate: "What’s Next?"
In a world where trends change faster than you can blink, the pressure to stay fresh is real. But here’s the thing: true creativity doesn’t come from following trends. It comes from trusting your own voice and letting that be your guide.
TACKLING THE PROBLEMS TOGETHER!
So, where does that leave us? Well, now that we’ve called out the monsters under the bed, we can start to deal with them. Every creative, every entrepreneur, every artist, and every dreamer faces these struggles. But recognising them is the first step in overcoming them.
Feeling inspired (or just a little less alone)? We dive deeper into these topics over on the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. Tune in to hear stories, advice, and tips from other creatives who’ve been in the same trenches and come out the other side. Because while the creative journey is personal, you never have to do it alone.
Ready to face your demons and get back to creating? Let’s do it together.
Thanks again for being a part of the Creative Nowhere Land journey and taking the time to read the blog. If you found any of this useful, then sign up for the newsletter for more, hopefully beneficial, information to help you achieve your goals. Also, to be the first to know when brand new podcasts are launched before anyone else.
So, until next time…