Keep Fear From Killing Your Creativity

Author Joseph Chilton Pearce said, “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” By it’s very nature, creativity is about taking risks. Exploring the unknown can be frightening. Sticking with the status quo may be comfortable, but it can breed stagnation, boredom and frustration. Think of the things we wouldn’t have today if someone didn’t step out onto the precipice of creative thinking.

Often times, our fear of taking a creative risk is nebulous. It’s like a cloud of worry that has no tangible cause. We can only pinpoint the source of our fear if we probe our experiences, thoughts and feelings.

If fear is holding you back, ask yourself these four simple questions:

  • What will I lose if I’m wrong?
  • What will be gained if I am right?
  • What can I learn by trying?
  • Will my life be better or worse if I do nothing?

The first step to overcoming fear is to understand and confront it. Only then will you be free to creatively forge ahead.