The Hidden Struggle of Creativity: Overcoming the Fear of Criticism
“Never be afraid to hang your art on the wall”© Greg Twemlow
The majority of people don’t feel innately creative. Even those who do, often hesitate to share their creations, fearing criticism. This reluctance prevents them from experiencing the joy and fulfilment of original creative output. I discovered quite late in life that I should “never be afraid to hang my art on the wall” and be open to feedback. I missed out on the transformative experience of creativity for most of my life. But I turned the corner and am on an intriguing, exciting, rewarding, and tremendously satisfying journey.
My newfound creative talents were put to good use when I devised my new venture, XperientialAI©, which helps people “Innovate, Learn, and Lead with AI©.”
The countervailing forces of creativity and productivity tend to divide people into camps. Those focused on productivity often view time spent on creative pursuits as “wasting time,” while creatives value thinking and experimenting over mere productive output.
Highly creative individuals may appear less productive compared to those in non-creative fields. Creative work is inherently inefficient, full of experimentation, and riddled with pivots and setbacks. It demands the willingness to drive down long, winding roads, sometimes hitting dead ends or realizing you’ve just driven in a circle. Yet, these seemingly unproductive detours are essential for innovation and new ideas.
One crucial aspect of creativity is the need for quiet time to let the mind wander, daydream, and play, and creativity thrives in environments where play is encouraged.
Many creative people surround themselves with toys, love playing with their kids, and maintain a childlike sense of playfulness. This playful spirit is the wellspring of creativity. However, in the contemporary work environment, the constant pressure to be productive often pushes out the time and space needed for play, stifling the very essence of creativity.
To sustain creativity, it’s vital to protect that core of play. For many people, it’s easy to get lost in too much play with heads in the clouds. But more often, work demands push us towards productivity, sidelining creative impulses. It’s vital to consciously keep that seemingly frivolous, unproductive part of ourselves alive. If we focus too hard on productivity, creativity dies. This commitment to nurturing creativity is empowering and fulfilling, instilling confidence in your creative abilities.
Most importantly, creativity requires courage to share our creations despite the fear of criticism. We grow and improve when we allow ourselves to be open to feedback. Coaching can help people understand this balance. By encouraging you to “hang your art on the wall”, I hope to help you embrace the wonderful experience of creating something original and appreciating your unique contributions.
Creativity is play.
Hard work and productivity are essential, and protecting the playful core is crucial because your playful core is the heart and soul of creativity. By embracing it, you can overcome the fear of criticism and truly flourish as a member of the creative class.
“Never be afraid to hang your art on the wall”©
About the author: Greg Twemlow, Founder of XperientialAI©.
Greg Twemlow: Sharing what I’ve learned from my career of 35 years as a citizen of the world, parent, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and CEO of XperientialAI, focused on experiential learning for maximum impact with AI. Contact Greg: greg@xperientialAI.com
