How do you boost your confidence when creating?

Learn from others. Tips & tricks, templates, schedules BUT must add a big stamp on top which is our uniqueness. And discovering that uniqueness is not easy or quick. It is part of the journey through experimentation, failure, feedback and back again to experimentation.

Humans are a social species, and our brains are wired to "fit in" to gain acceptance. Many of us have experienced pressure to conform at times, and it took me a while to get comfortable standing out as unique. However, I've learned to embrace that my combination of unique genetics and life experiences enables me to add value that no one else can replicate. The same is true for every one of us. We all have unique power within us to create value if we learn to access it. My advice is to embrace your uniqueness and connect with others who recognize and value it. Collectively you can do powerful things. Watch out for anyone who tries to force conformity. Don't allow them to diminish your power.

One thing that I always keep close in mind, is that although each one of us is totally unique in every aspect, there are others who are similar to us in many ways, and these are the ones that will connect with and support us when we are creating. I have learnt that we cannot please everyone no matter how much we would like to or try to, because that is a fact of life. So concentrate on being yourself, and the people that have the same mindset as you will support you. The saying goes "Be yourself, and the right people will love the real you."

Yes, feedback can hurt. Once we separate our identity from the feedback it can really help. And sometimes it doesn't have to be formal. Just a chance conversation or an off the cuff remark can provide great insight. Always be on the lookout for these.

All feedback provides valuable learning. However, we should focus on activating constructive feedback from trusted sources who are committed to helping us learn, develop, and grow. If you let others in your network know the skills you are trying to build, you can enroll them to provide the feedback you need to measure your progress. On the other hand, if you suspect feedback is coming from a place of negative intent trying to undermine you, filter it out.

One of the best lifeisms that has helped me is "Allow yourself the discomfort". Only by trying new stuff are we able to discover what really gets us, what we are good at and what we suck at! And not worrying about what will others think but pushing along and adapting along the way is key.

I think this is the biggest component of overcoming the anxiety that can come when creating. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and try, the ideas that you have with your content are important and they matter. The world would benefit from the diversity that can come with individuals creativity!

I love celebrating the milestones and achievements of others, but I'm not as good at celebrating my own. Since creating and innovating is a significant journey, I've found that I need a support network that will remind me to reflect on my progress. Figure out who can be your "cheerleaders" to help you deal with the inevitable setbacks of any innovation or creation process.

Smiling, laughing, even making fun at our own misses is a great way to not get too wound up or self-critical. Vanity metrics are just that. They are one indicator. Don't ever think those. Creating some fun content - nothing to do with work or business - every now and then is a great way to showcase our personality!

Celebrate others, especially ones that are just starting out. It doesn't have to be a mentor relationship with someone you know. Just giving a boost of confidence to absolute strangers whose content gets you will boost our own morale. Two birds with ...

Keep a "happy" folder (virtual or real) where you can store messages that will boost your confidence and provide encouragement. Think about including a wide range of things that can lift your spirits such as: a) encouraging words from a boss, peer, mentor or friend; b) a note of appreciation from a direct report, colleague or mentee; c) awards or recognition, photos of celebratory events, etc. etc. Make it a habit to go to this folder for inspiration when you need it.