Fear is a powerful motivator, but one thing that fear can’t fuel is creative projects. Nothing will mute or silence your creative instincts quite like the fear of failure. And it can be difficult for high achievers in particular to let go of the exacting standards they adhere to in their work.
According to author Elizabeth Gilbert, the best way to tap into your creative side is to let go of your perfectionist tendencies.A creative project may never even get off the ground without permission to fail—in your own eyes, or in the eyes of others. So the next time you embark upon something creative, go easy on yourself. By embracing the possibility of creating a terrible novel (or drawing, or song), you might just end up with something great.
Learn more about how to enhance your creative process with our Instaread on BIG MAGIC.