Numerous creatives grapple with the artistic process. In pursuit of greatness and producing solid work, they nitpick at anything and everything. Their critical minds make things challenging. They start the piece with much passion and intentionality, but somewhere along the line, they pause. They stop because they are unsatisfied with the look and feel of their creation. The love for the artwork then quickly transforms to disappointment, because it is not turning out as the artist envisioned. Many restart the process, and some keep going, but they are not truly happy with what they have produced. Perhaps the work eventually gets completed but without a sense of fulfillment. Rather, it is done to meet a deadline. I am one such person…

I have this love-hate relationship with my pieces. I have so many half-finished blogs and poems stored somewhere on the interwebs. I have photos backed up for months that need to be edited. I have rap verses on my phone, dying to be listened to. If I am honest, this happens because of deep-seated self-doubt. It’s not that I  think I can’t get the job done. It’s that there are days when I feel as if I am not capable of getting the job done well. Those types of thoughts ruin a good thing. Dare I say, they can ruin me. I fear my workmanship will be shoddy, my competence will be questioned, and I won’t be a master at my craft. I get stuck in my head, wondering if it will be well-received. Being highly analytical and holding oneself to high standards can sometimes be detrimental, like a form of kryptonite.

While it is okay to give my best, I am learning that holding back is stunting my growth in my creative pursuits. There are so many implications to this dangerous decision. Holding back would mean I would not know my potential and whether I can surpass it. I would not know how vast my talents are and where they can take me. I would not learn how to adjust and pivot when challenges arise. After all, they say calm seas never make a skilled sailor. I would not be able to empower, inspire, and add value to the lives of others through the works of my hands. It is not fair to me at all if I do that.

One of my artist friends told me that he is never satisfied with his work, and it’s never truly done. Still, he chooses to showcase his work to the world, earning him recognition all over the world. He grows in his craft and people are inspired by each brushstroke on a canvas. Letting go of his work benefits both him and others. The same goes for us.  

As I share with you, I am also reminding myself. If we have something good to share with the world, we cannot let it stay with us. It won’t profit anyone, not even the stewards of these gifts and talents: us. Your reasons for holding back may differ from mine, but you recognize that your growth is being hindered by your decisions. There are so many half-done works that are stored in a document on our computer, waiting to be published. There are so many entrepreneurial ideas hidden in a book on our bedside table. There are so many songs scribbled on napkins and in notes apps on our phones that the world needs. There are passions we need to pursue. Be relentless, and let them fly. Create and let them go. There are days when we will not be confident with what we have created. However, we should take chances on ourselves and what we have to offer. Embrace imperfection. Be open to criticism, learn, grow, and develop. Hone what you have, keep trying, and live without regrets. Inspire others and contribute to changing the world for the better, one deed at a time.

_{Photo by Anna Might Take Pics}