#0040 Shifting your mindset from wannabe to authentic creative: An introduction

I Think I Can, I Think I Can 🚂🚃🚃🚃

Picture yourself climbing to the top of Mount Fuji. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Okay. 

What shapes and colors surround you? What do you hear? Are there particular aromas? Who do you see yourself as on this adventure: Younger you? Older you? You as a space alien or Lego minifig or rescue dog?

At this point, I’ve gotta ask: Is your mind still blank? Or have you begun to envision something? (Doesn’t have to be related to Mount Fuji or space aliens, since the scent of snow might have awakened a memory of a winter stroll you took in New England with your father when you were in third grade…)

Have you conjured something? If so, you are a Creative Person.

Picture yourself climbing to the top of Mount Fuji. (Source: Photo by JJ Ying on Unsplash)

Embrace your personhood. Explore your personhood.

Did you imagine a verdant landscape with swirls of snow that makes you want to grab a crayon or some clay or collaging materials? I deem you an Artist. 

If you leapt to a fish-out-of-water story of a space alien sent to gather intel who crash landed in the wrong locale (off by several solar systems) but finds mountain air breathable and ancient flying dinosaurs relatable… and you're twitching for a keyboard or magic stick and papyrus? I designate you a Writer.

And if you see swirls of snow and taste the fresh mountain air, feel the crunch of snow and hear the rescue dog’s inner turmoil, I shall name you a multi-hyphenate Creative who may express their imagination in a multitude of lanes on the freeway of life. 

You are a Creative Person. Roll around in the knowledge like a wiggly puppy with its tongue lolling out and tail wagging with joy.

There might be times people question if you are a Writer or Artist. More often you will have doubts you are actually and truly a Creative Person. This imposter syndrome — a sword wielded by your inner critic — is surmountable. In the coming weeks, I will share how to:

• Challenge your thoughts

• Celebrate vulnerability

• Consider yourself a best friend

• Compose a self-compassionate letter

• Create mindfulness breaks

These techniques will help you nullify imposter syndrome and support your creative endeavors as you strive to accumulate those 100 rejections.

In the meantime, dear Writers, Artists, multi-hyphenate Creatives, go forth and create. And please share in the Comments where you went with the Mount Fuji prompt!

Next time: Challenge your imposter syndrome thoughts.