6 ways that fear can block pathways to creativity and how we can overcome them

Every human on this planet has experienced the feeling of fear on some level. According to many eastern teachings, the doses of fear we experience on a daily basis arises when we are either stuck in the past or living in the future (as opposed to living in the present moment). Fear puts us into a state of fight, flight or freeze, which consequently blocks our ability to think clearly as our body is preparing to deal with a perceived threat. When this occurs on a regular basis, it can be a significant barrier to creativity by stunting the formation of new ideas, taking risks, and the ability to express authentically.

Below are 6 common ways in which fear can manifest and how this can block you from your creative powers. If you find that you experience one or more of the following blocks, do not panic! Know that you are not alone, they are universal and that there are multiple ways to overcome them (I touch on this later).

1. Fear of failure: One of the most common fears that blocks creativity is the fear of failure. When we are afraid of pursuing new opportunities or taking risks due to fear of making mistakes or our ideas not being met, we block ourselves from exploring new creative ways of living. This fear can stifle creativity by discouraging us from taking courageous steps in the direction of our desired goals.

2. Fear of judgement: This is a big one! The fear of criticism or rejection from others can really impact the way we approach life. We may withhold creative ideas or content in order to 'conform' to societal norms. The desire for acceptance and validation can cause us to suppress our authenticity and hinder our creative expression.

3. Perfectionism: Driven by high standards and a desire for excellence, perfectionism can be a huge hindrance to growth and creativity. When we become overly focused on achieving flawless outcomes, it may lead us to holding back entirely due to the need for everything to be 'perfect'. We may become paralysed by indecision, constantly second-guessing our work, or procrastinating out of fear of not meeting our own impossibly high standards. This fear of imperfection can prevent us from taking creative risks and exploring new possibilities.

4. Self Doubt: This is another big one. When we doubt our abilities or experience insecurities, this can undermine creative confidence and self-expression. On a deeper level, this relates to how worthy we believe we are. When we question our worthiness as creative individuals, we may hold back from fully engaging in the creative process. Self-doubt can be all consuming and can lead to a reluctance to sharing ideas with the world.

5. Fear of Vulnerability: Creativity requires us to tap into our emotions, experiences, and vulnerabilities to produce meaningful work. However, the fear of being vulnerable or exposing oneself to criticism can deter us from fully engaging with the creative process. We may choose to play it safe, opting for familiar ideas or superficial expressions, rather than delving into deeper, more personal themes.

6. Comparison: Comparing ourselves to others comes from a place of lack, a mindset of 'not enough'. Particularly prevalent in the age of social media, we can easily find ourselves feeling inadequate. These feelings can undermine creative confidence and discourage us from pursuing creative pathways if we are constantly focused outwards on what others are doing. The most important thing to cultivate in order to overcome these blocks is self awareness. The more aware of ourselves and our patterns we are, the more easily we can take dominion over them to shift into new ways of being.

Below are some simple ways you can begin to question any limiting thoughts or beliefs, and start to upgrade the patterns (which will ultimately change your life).

1. Make a note of your limiting beliefs: Every time you hear yourself say something negative or unkind to yourself, note it down. At the end of the day, sit with the list of beliefs or thoughts, notice any patterns. Sit quietly with them and ask yourself “Can I absolutely know, with 100% certainty that these limiting thought patterns or beliefs are true?”

2. Turn comparison into inspiration: When you feel the urge to compare, look at the quality in that person you are comparing yourself to and find grounded examples of how you already possess that quality in some way. For example, if you value the courage in another person. Find 3 examples of ways you are already being courageous in your own life. This reminds us of who and what we already are, bringing us back to a sense of wholeness. Everyone in life is our mirror for personal growth if we choose to use them in that way.

3. Discover what you're really afraid of: Here lies the opportunity to become and investigator of your own life. Sit still and ask yourself the question “What do I fear would happen if I really went for my dreams?”. Then listen internally, you might be surprised by what comes forward!

4. Forgive any judgements of yourself: This may be the most important one of all: what we judge, we're stuck with. Write a list of any judgements you have of yourself personally or related to where you think you should be further along in your life. Complete the following statements “I forgive myself for judging myself for...(Eg: for thinking I should be in a higher position at work than I am). “The truth is... (Eg: I am exactly where I am supposed to be).

5. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Whenever you make a mistake or have a setback, ask yourself “If every failure contains a learning for my growth, what could mine be in this situation?” The one thing I want you to take away from this article is to above all, learn to drench yourself in self compassion. The key to deep, lasting change is learning to love and accept every single aspect of ourselves. It is through this that we can return to our wholeness and start to shift the limiting beliefs into motivation and self belief.