Boost Confidence in Creative Career: 7 Practical Tips

Published on 18 July 2023 8 min read

Establish a daily creative routine
Connect with other creatives
Set realistic goals and rewards
Embrace failure as learning opportunity
Invest in continued learning and skill-building
Highlight your achievements
Take care of your mental health

Do you ever feel like your creative career is a rollercoaster ride? One minute, you're on top of the world, the next, you're doubting your abilities. Well, you're not alone. Building confidence and self-belief in creative careers can be a challenging task. But guess what? It's doable and it's worth it. This blog post will walk you through seven practical tips to boost your confidence in your creative career. Let’s get started!

Establish a Daily Creative Routine

Just like you brush your teeth every morning, establishing a daily creative routine can help you feel more grounded and sure in your creative career. A routine provides a structure that can help to reduce anxiety and build confidence. It's like giving yourself a roadmap — you know where you're going, you're in control, and you're less likely to get lost.

Here's how you can establish a daily creative routine:

Start small: You don’t have to create a masterpiece every day. Even a quick sketch, a few lines of a poem, or a rough draft of a design can suffice. The aim is consistency, not perfection.
Make it a priority: Schedule your creative time just like you would for any other important task. This shows that you take your creativity seriously, which is a big step in building confidence.
Experiment: Try different things and see what works best for you. You might find that you're most creative in the mornings, or maybe you prefer working late at night. It's your routine, so make it work for you!

Remember, building confidence and self-belief in creative careers is a process. It takes time. But stick with it, and you'll start to see the benefits. You'll feel more confident in your abilities, more secure in your career, and more capable to face whatever creative challenges come your way.

Connect with Other Creatives

Let's talk about the power of connection. Working in a creative field can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you are a freelancer or self-employed. But did you know that connecting with other creatives can be a game-changer for building confidence and self-belief in your creative career?

When you connect with other creatives, you're not just making friends — you're building a support network. You're gaining access to people who understand your struggles, celebrate your victories, and can offer advice from their own experiences. It's like having a team to cheer you on when the going gets tough.

So, how do you go about connecting with other creatives? Here are some strategies:

Attend networking events: These could be local meetups, industry conferences, or online webinars.
Join online communities: There are plenty of online forums and social media groups dedicated to different creative fields. These are great places to meet like-minded individuals, share your work, and ask for feedback.
Collaborate: Working on a project with another creative can be a great learning experience. It allows you to see how others approach their work, which can help you grow and develop as a creative professional.

Connecting with other creatives can provide a major boost to your confidence. It reminds you that you're not alone in your journey, and it gives you the opportunity to learn from others. So, don't be shy — reach out and make those connections!

Set Realistic Goals and Rewards

Setting goals is a powerful tool to keep you focused and motivated in your creative journey. But the trick is not just to set any goals — they need to be realistic. Why is that so important for building confidence and self-belief in creative careers? Let's explore.

Realistic goals are achievable. When you achieve a goal, no matter how small, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. This boosts your confidence and motivates you to tackle bigger goals. On the other hand, if your goals are too ambitious, they can feel overwhelming and out of reach, which can lead to frustration and self-doubt.

But setting realistic goals is only half the battle. The other half is rewarding yourself when you achieve them. Rewards can be anything from taking a day off to treating yourself to your favorite dessert. The idea is to celebrate your successes and acknowledge your hard work.

So, how to set realistic goals and rewards? Here are some suggestions:

Break down big goals into manageable tasks: If your goal is to write a novel, break it down into smaller tasks like writing a chapter a week. This makes the goal less daunting and more achievable.
Set SMART goals: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures your goals are clear, realistic, and tied to a specific timeframe.
Choose rewards that feel meaningful to you: It could be something simple like watching your favorite movie or something special like a trip to a theme park. The key is to choose something that truly feels like a treat.

Remember, the journey of building confidence and self-belief in creative careers is not a sprint, it's a marathon. So pace yourself, set realistic goals, celebrate your victories, and keep moving forward!

Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Failure. It's a word that can make a shiver run down your spine. Especially when you're trying to build confidence and self-belief in creative careers. But what if I told you that failure is not your enemy, but rather your ally?

Yes, you heard it right! Failure is an integral part of the creative process. It’s not a setback but a stepping stone for growth. It's through failures that we learn, grow, and come up with new ideas. Let's delve into why embracing failure is crucial for your creative journey.

Firstly, failure teaches you what doesn’t work. Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work". Every time you fail, you learn a new way how not to do something, bringing you one step closer to finding the way that does work.

Secondly, failure fosters resilience. It’s easy to feel confident and believe in yourself when things are going smoothly. But when things go awry? That's when your true strength is tested. By embracing failure, you build resilience and learn to bounce back stronger from setbacks.

Finally, failure sparks creativity. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to think outside the box. It's the fuel that drives innovation. Have you ever heard of a successful inventor or artist who never failed? I guess not.

So, how do you embrace failure? Here are some tips:

Change your perspective: Instead of viewing failure as a negative outcome, see it as a learning experience.
Be kind to yourself: Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes. Remember that everyone fails, it’s a part of life.
Seek feedback: Use failure as an opportunity to get feedback and improve. Don't be afraid to ask others for their input.

In the end, remember that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. So embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you on your journey of building confidence and self-belief in creative careers.

Invest in Continued Learning and Skill-Building

One of the best ways to build confidence and self-belief in creative careers is to never stop learning. The creative industry is a dynamic field—it's always evolving. New trends, techniques, and technologies are constantly emerging. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, continuous learning and skill-building are non-negotiable.

So, how can you keep learning and honing your skills? Here are a few practical ideas:

Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy offer a plethora of courses in various creative fields. Whether you want to learn graphic design, content writing, or photography, you'll find a course that suits your needs.
Books and Magazines: Books can be a great source of inspiration and knowledge. Look for books that offer insights into different creative styles, techniques, and success stories. Magazines like 'Creative Review' and 'ArtForum' can also keep you updated on latest trends.
Podcasts and TED Talks: These can be a gold mine of inspiration and learning. They offer insights from successful creatives who've been there, done that. Some recommended ones are 'The Creative Pep Talk Podcast' and TED Talks by Elizabeth Gilbert and Ken Robinson.

Moreover, don't forget the importance of hands-on practice. There's no substitute for it. As the old saying goes, "practice makes perfect". The more you practice, the more you'll improve, and the more confident you'll become.

Remember, investing in learning and skill-building doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. Many resources are available for free or at a minimal cost. The key is to stay curious, keep exploring, and never stop learning.

With continuous learning and skill-building, you are not only enhancing your creative abilities but also building confidence and self-belief in your creative career. So, roll up your sleeves and let the learning begin!

Highlight Your Achievements

Another effective strategy for building confidence and self-belief in creative careers is to highlight your achievements. No matter how small or big, every achievement is a testament to your skills, hard work, and dedication. Recognizing these achievements can boost your confidence and motivate you to aim for even bigger goals.

Here are a few ways to highlight and celebrate your achievements:

Create a Portfolio: A portfolio can be a powerful tool in showcasing your work. Include a variety of projects to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your skills. Don’t forget to include the projects that challenged you and made you step out of your comfort zone.
Set Up a Recognition Wall: Dedicate a space in your home or office where you can display your recognitions—be it a certificate of completion from an online course, a thank-you note from a client, or a trophy from a competition. This 'wall of fame' will serve as a constant reminder of what you've achieved.
Share Your Success Stories: Don't hesitate to share your victories with others. Whether it's on your social media platforms or in networking events, let people know about your successes. It's not bragging—it's acknowledging your hard work and talent.

Remember, every step you take in your creative journey contributes to your growth. Even if an achievement seems trivial to you, it's a piece of the puzzle that makes you the creative professional you are today. So, take a moment to celebrate these achievements. It's a surefire way to build your confidence and self-belief in your creative career.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

When it comes to building confidence and self-belief in creative careers, it's vital to prioritize your mental health. The creative process can be exhilarating, but it can also be draining and stressful. It's important to remember that your mental wellbeing plays a key role in your ability to maintain creativity and productivity.

Here are a few strategies to keep your mental health in check:

Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle: Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine. This not only helps alleviate stress but also keeps your brain in top shape for creative thinking.
Practise Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even just taking a walk in nature can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety. These activities can also stimulate creativity, allowing you to see things from a fresh perspective.
Seek Support When Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family or professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, a listening ear or professional guidance can make a world of difference.

Remember, taking care of your mental health isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. By keeping your mental wellbeing in check, you're not only improving your overall quality of life, but also nurturing your creative spirit. After all, a healthy mind is a creative mind!

If you're looking to further boost your confidence in your creative career, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Trusting your Creative Intuition' by Celina Rodriguez. This insightful workshop will help you tap into your intuition and trust your creative instincts to make better decisions and thrive in your creative journey.