Confidence can be challenging. Surprisingly, struggling with confidence is quite common among Creatives. However, there are some things I have learned that greatly transformed my relationship with confidence and how I show up as an Artist. Read all about these powerful mindset shifts that help to build confidence for Creatives.
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Confidence Comes From Within
The very first confident mindset shift that I want you to implement is, confidence comes from within. We must stop outsourcing our confidence. Stop seeking outside validation. Yes, we can put on the outfit, apply the makeup, and book the gig. But once we remove all of those things, what is left? YOU are the common denominator to cultivating confidence in your life and your artistry. Know who you are and who you desire to be. And if you don’t, rest assured that you can build the confidence to know.
Self-Doubt Does Not Define You
Our identity greatly impacts how we operate. Self-doubt, fear, shame, or a mistake is NOT your identity. It is simply an experience. You aren’t a shameful person. You are a person experiencing shame. Be very mindful of the words you speak over yourself and of how you identify yourself, even if it’s in a moment of frustration or anger.
Subconsciously, that seed has been planted. So watch your mouth!
Our identity is found in God. We are sons and daughters, image bearers, called to reflect His image. When Moses doubted he could fulfill the assignment to lead the Israelites, God told him that He would be with him. When Moses persisted in his insecurity, God provided a helper through Aaron. We are not defined by what we deem to be an inadequacy. We are defined by God.
Comparison Is Not Your Friend
There is a fine line between appreciation and idolization. It is okay to celebrate the wins of people you admire. But their successes do not invalidate who you are and what you’re doing. Honestly, this is something that I continue to struggle with, especially as a Creative and Artist. Many times I feel like the success of others is highlighting my failure.
But I stop and remind myself that what God has for me is for me. That saying has become a bit of a cliché but it’s true. God’s timing is perfect. I don’t like to believe it, I don’t. I’m sure you don’t either. But I have to trust that God’s plan is better than anything that I could come up with myself. I also have to continue to trust in my purpose and keep my eye on my target. Not theirs. As we mature in God and learn to surrender to His will, we realize that God is the one who puts the desires in our hearts for His purpose.
Watch Comparison Is The Thief Of Identity Podcast Episode Here!
A Mistake Can Be A Blessing
Have you ever found yourself experimenting with a new recipe and mistakenly pouring in a little too much salt or a bit too much sugar? You think your dish is ruined and it’s time to order Uber Eats! But then you taste it and it’s better than you imagined. Life is like that too at times. Sometimes the unexpected is the very thing that we needed all along. Continue to trust the process and find beauty in the lessons learned along the way.
Your Community Matters
Take inventory of the people that you have around you. Your friends can either help to build you up or tear you down. We are all influential, whether we realize it or not. Are your relationships built on trust, support, and love? Do they encourage you to walk in God’s truth and light? Are they iron sharpens iron friends? If not, it’s time to reevaluate those connections because they have a great impact on you.
Confidence Is A Collective Struggle
You are not alone. Trust me. Many of us have it in our minds that we are the only people on the planet experiencing what we are experiencing or thinking what we are thinking. We start to believe the lies that comparison and disappointment tell us and then shame sets in. But then we read a blog post or listen to a podcast and hear someone else’s story. You discover that you aren’t alone and you are not crazy. However, this moment of realization is often short-lived because life throws another challenge at you. Again, you begin to tell yourself that no one will understand. Oh, the joys of the human mind!
I encourage you to remember how you overcame your last struggle or limiting belief. Recall the time you connected with someone else on a human level. Seek out your creative circle and allow them to pour into you. We are more connected than we often think.
Perfection Is Deceiving
Not only is confidence a collective struggle but thinking other people or their lives are perfect is too. Think about the very first time you learned about a challenge that your favorite role model, celebrity, or Artist had. You were shocked. You realize they don’t have it “all together.” They weren’t always the best at their craft. They also feared that no one would show up for their event. When others are vulnerable, it opens the door for us to be vulnerable with ourselves. Let’s spend more time humanizing others. Because the truth is, no one is perfect.
Your Thoughts Become Things
It all starts with belief. I am guilty of allowing a negative mindset to take over amid opposition. I know that all of the things that I am saying about myself aren’t true but that’s how I feel at the moment. What’s worse, I feel like I deserve to treat myself in such a horrible way. I surrender to the limiting belief. Why would I do this to myself? Because somewhere along the way it became a habit. I have learned that our perpetual thoughts become repetitive reactions. Eventually, we begin to believe the cruel things we say about ourselves because it is all we know. But it’s time to break the cycle. Yes, acknowledge how you are feeling in the moment. But don’t sit there. Combat those thoughts with truth, God’s truth.
Have A Growth Mindset
If you’re here, then I believe that you already have a growth mindset. You desire change and transformation. Growth requires intentionality and commitment. Allow yourself the space to learn more so you can continue to expand. Don’t limit yourself. You are worth so much more.
You Are Someone’s Answered Prayer
Someone is waiting on you. Yes, YOU! They are waiting for you to share your story, to start your business, to create your art, or to offer an encouraging word. Your purpose can change a life or even save one. Remember, your confidence journey isn’t only for you. So start implementing these confident mindset shifts today. Someone needs you.
With Love,
Tamara
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