Ask Amanda

Ask Amanda: I’m Doubting My Creativity

posted on November 4, 2016 | by Amanda Holstein

Question:

Hello, Amanda!

I currently launched my blog which focuses on everything I am interested in: music, beauty, traveling, lifestyle etc.

I have a few people who I follow and know on a personal basis who are very creative and they have their own photography businesses or are just overall creative and I find myself comparing myself to them A LOT! More than I would like to admit. I see their creative work and what they convey through their social media and I find myself feeling stupid, not good enough or I tell myself what I want to put out there has been done like 500 times already.

But, deep down inside I REALLY want to keep putting content out but, without feeling down on myself creatively. So, my question is: How do I avoid feeling down about my creativity? How do I adjust my thinking? How do you stop feeling insecure?

– Alana

Answer:

Hi Alana!

This is something we ALL go through, so you’re certainly not alone! Whether it’s a creative rut or comparing ourselves to others, this is a very common feeling. And I think it’s important that you realize everyone has felt this way at some point (including me!).

If you truly love creating content, then focus on that. Put your blinders on and focus on what makes you happy and what you want to do. Sometimes I need to step back and not look at other blogs so that I can just create what I want to create, without being influenced by what else is out there. I think it’s important that you do that from time to time as well.

It’s also important to know that, in terms of content, most of it has been done millions of times. But the goal is to put your own spin on it, your own perspective that makes it unique to you. Don’t worry if someone else has written about the topic — chances are someone has — but do it your way. We are all influenced by each other and most creative ideas are morphed from other ideas that have been done before. So don’t be afraid that your ideas didn’t come from scratch. Just make them your own.

If you’re feeling like you’re in a creative rut, I suggest doing something or going somewhere NEW. If you have the means to travel, I highly recommend that. Otherwise, there is plenty to explore right in your own city, you just need to go look for it. Walk around a new neighborhood, visit a new restaurant, take a class you’ve never taken before. I find that doing new things is the best way to open up my mind and feel creative again!

I hope this helps!

xo
Amanda