You ARE Your Own Worst Enemy

As creative types, we tend to get wrapped up in our own thoughts. I don’t know why, but many of us are wired to the hilt emotionally, which is great when you feel good about what you’re doing, but horribly debilitating when the negativity grips the soul. I know all about it, trust me. I am my own worst enemy most of the time. My mind runs like a broken conveyor belt stuck on fast, dumping crap into my head until I have to curl up into a ball in the corner and suck my thumb just to feel like a human being.

Okay, I don’t suck my thumb, but you get the picture.

I mentioned yesterday that sometimes I feel like a self-help fruit loop, spewing forth vibes of positivity, and for the most part, that’s true. In my lifetime, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. Been to a few inspirational talks and made friends with some pretty amazing, and inspiring people over the years. A lot of people don’t think self-help works, and in a way, I think they’re right because someone else’s method probably won’t work for you. You have to find your own method.

All of that aside, I think it’s important to stop defeating ourselves. I really believe that we ARE our own worst enemies, especially when we’re creating. When we tell ourselves we can’t do something, over time that simple thought becomes a fact, making it true. Eventually we believe we can’t, and we stop trying.

Reconditioning yourself to think differently isn’t easy. A lot of us were raised that way, and it’s ingrained in our essence to feel defeated–especially when it comes to doing the things we love. Some of us even feel guilty indulging in our creative whims, selfish for catering to the part of ourselves that wants to dream and live big.

I talked about this in my blog the other day, referring to times in my life when people I wanted support from told me I was wasting my time doing what mattered to my soul. I should focus my energy on making money instead of wasting it on frivolous dreams.

On the other hand, if we weren’t meant to DO the creative things we want to do, why would we have the inclination to do them in the first place? Ask your inner-enemy that question, and see what it says. When I first decided to put up my short stories for sale, my inner-enemy told me I was a moron. Who would want to actually pay to read my stories? Hundreds of editors turned me down over the years, which must obviously mean I’m no good at what I do.

I fought with myself for days over it, and then decided to kick my inner-enemy’s ass. I had to remind myself that not only am I “good” at what I do, I am supposed to do it.

There are no coincidences. If you were born with stories to tell, you need to tell them. If you have artistic vision, you need to share it. It is your duty, and you owe it to not only yourself, but the world. On the days you doubt yourself, step back, look yourself in the eye and see the truth. You are NOT the enemy, and you deserve far more than you are willing to give yourself.

Maybe that sounds hokey to you, but whenever I’m feeling like I can’t, or I shouldn’t do the things my heart knows are right for me, facing my inner-enemy and telling it to go to hell makes all the difference. I believe in me, and whether you want to hear it or not, I also believe in you, and I want to share what you and I are doing with you and the rest of the world.

Now, let’s get out there and share our creative visions, and if the inner-enemy starts to squirm or make you feel like your vision isn’t good enough to share with the rest of the world, kick it down and stomp on it.