What’s Stopping You From Sharing Your Creative Gift? (& How to Overcome!)
Read Time: 5 minutes
Writing has always been such a therapeutic pastime for me, allowing me to “talk” and use my words to share my thoughts. So, when the idea came to me to start a blog… online… for all to see… I had to pause for a moment. Needless to say, I was not initially sold on my own idea.
I was scared y’all! 😳
Shooketh! 😨
Nervous and unsure! 😬
See, I’m pretty private and really only share my talents and perspectives when I feel safe to do so, around trusted people, where I know there will be no conflict or judgement.
Up until now, I’ve always been writing, but FMEO (for my eyes only).
I knew that if I wanted to share with others, and engage conversation with readers, I had to get out there and, what do they say, “Do it scared”!
Like me, here are a few things that also may be stopping you from sharing your creative talent and how to overcome those barriers:
1. Not wanting others “all in your business”
I’m not the only one like this. Some of us were raised like this.
We keep our personal business to ourselves. Good news is, this is not something you have to completely get over though, because it depends on what your blog posts (or other creative outlets) are about.
Like this blog, I’m sharing insights and perspectives. Yes, there may be a few personal details sprinkled in if it pertains to the topic, but for the most part, this blog is about my take on things, not necessarily about me. If you do, however, wish to write about your life, your experiences, and yourself, my recommendation would be to only share as much as you are willing to share. That’s okay.
While I think readers do enjoy a peer into the personal lives of the writer, you should only go into as much detail as you want. Don’t feel pressured to divulge if you’re not ready.
Remember, once you post, its out there, so make sure it’s a level of detail you are comfortable with.
2. Being too shy to share your talent
If you’re like me, you probably have not shared your passion for writing or creating with many people. So how will it look when you pop up out the blue with a whole blog?!? I’ll tell you what it’ll look like… like you have an amazing hidden talent that people wonder why you haven’t shared before!
Getting out there, initially, is the hardest part.
After your first couple posts though, you warm up. Trust me, you won’t feel timid the entire time. You have a gift that not many people have, so don’t be afraid to shine and do what’s in your heart.
3. Being concerned that no one will see your posts or work
This might be super contrary to what you all have read in other blogging or advertising advice but hear me out…
Quite honestly, seeing all the tips on “how to have a million viewers” is overwhelming. Yes, I would love for my posts to reach far and wide, but I’d say, don’t let the “business” aspect of blogging get in the way of what you love to do. Sometimes, when we’re focused on the “work” of a thing, then it begins to feel like work, and we don’t want to lose our spark!
So, my advice is balance. Take time to promote your work and get it out there, but don’t be discouraged if you aren’t getting the traffic, views, or likes you’d wish for. You don’t have to figure this out all in the beginning, but over time. Do a little each day to spread your work and make it more visible. Keep doing your thing and enjoying what you do, and the viewers will come.
4. Fear that others won’t agree with you or like your content
Simply put, Be you!
Naturally, you will attract like-minded people who enjoy your content. Granted, you won’t be able to please everyone that sees your work, and you may have a few who will disagree with something you’ve said or done. And that’s okay! You can still engage with those that disagree, but do it respectfully. I’m always up for a stimulating “back-and-forth” when it comes to a topic. You’ll even notice at the end of some of my posts, I’ll ask, “what did I miss?” or “do you feel differently?”, so in a way, I’m almost welcoming some form of inflection in the discussion.
Honestly, people don’t have to agree with you all the time, that’s what makes good, engaging conversation!
Listen to your readers and understand why they may disagree or feel differently from you. Their feedback may be key to how you can improve your work, you never know!
Now, if there are those who maliciously and disrespectfully comment on your works, I’d recommend trying to read the underlying message in what they’re saying and try to respond to that, ignoring the negative emotion.
Sometimes, though, it can be too much to deal with the negativity, so I’d say ignore it! I don’t recommend returning insults or arguing with anyone, it’s just not a good look.
Keep classy and carry on!
Bottom line of this Petal:
Just go for it! Whether it’s a blog, talent, or another project you want to share with others, go shine your light. Share as much or as little personal details as you want. You shouldn’t worry too much about a few disagreeing comments, or if you don’t get much traffic in the beginning. Mainly, you don’t want to lose your heart for your craft. Balance the time you spend promoting and marketing as not to overwhelm yourself with those things. Keep it light and fun, doing what you do, and loving it!
Comment Below!
Tell me some things you have had to overcome in order to “put yourself out there”. How do you balance the “work” portion of what you do with the heart of it, or the “fun” part? How do you handle those that disagree or don’t like something you’ve created?
