Starting a creative project is exciting—but fear, self-doubt, and that relentless inner critic can stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re writing a book, painting a canvas, or launching a new creative venture, fear can make you second-guess everything.
As an indie author, I’ve battled these fears many times, sometimes delaying a project for nearly a year. But through experience, I’ve learned that fear doesn’t have to win. Instead, it can be understood, reframed, and even used as a tool for creative growth.
The Three Types of Creative Fear
- Fear of Success – It sounds counterintuitive, but success can be scary. What if people expect more from you? What if you change too much? This fear whispers, What if I can’t keep up?
- Fear of Failure – This is the classic What if I’m not good enough? fear. The fear of putting your heart into something and not seeing the results you hoped for.
- Fear of Judgment & Imposter Syndrome – Worrying about what others will think or feeling like a fraud can be crippling. Thoughts like What if they find out I’m not as talented as they think? hold so many creatives back.
How to Reframe Fear and Keep Creating
- Acknowledge Fear, Don’t Fight It
Fear isn’t your enemy—it’s trying to protect you, just in a clumsy way. Instead of letting it paralyze you, ask: What is this fear trying to tell me? - Feel It in Your Body
Take a moment to notice where you feel fear physically—your chest, shoulders, or stomach? This simple awareness can help you move through it. - Journal It Out
Write about your fear. Ask yourself: Which fear is stopping me? Then go deeper with What am I really afraid of? This exercise brings clarity. - Use Intentional Creativity
- Tarot – Pull a card representing your inner critic and have a conversation with it.
- Cosmic SmashBooking – A creative blend of journaling and art that helps reframe limiting beliefs.
- Find Accountability
A friend, a creative community, or an accountability partner can help you push through fear and stay committed to your project.
Fear will always show up in the creative process. The key is learning how to work with it, not against it. So the next time fear tries to stop you, try these strategies and keep going.
Does your inner critic or inner fear hold you back from fully embracing your creative potential?
Whether it’s the voice of self-doubt or the protective whisper urging you to stay in your comfort zone, these inner barriers can make pursuing your creative dreams feel impossible.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
✨ Introducing the Workshop Bundle: Creating with Your Inner Critic & Inner Fear ✨
Join me and my co-host, Sage Adderley, as we guide you through two transformative workshops designed to help you mend your relationship with your inner critic and inner fear. Through creative and intuitive tools, you’ll learn how to approach these inner voices with curiosity and compassion, empowering yourself to create with ease and confidence.
✨ Ready to transform your inner voices and unleash your creative potential? ✨
