well-being - Live Life Well

9, July 202321, July 2023

Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your creative field? Like you’re not good enough, or that you’re a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Many creative people experience imposter syndrome, which is a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy. You might’ve experienced the feeling of being overawed by someone with astounding talent – creative works just drip off them seemingly effortlessly or they seem to lead charmed lives. Or you go to a conference or a lecture theatre or a studio or an exhibition or an audition and everyone *EVERYONE* is a thousand times more talented, skilful, cool, better looking, better connected, better blah, blah, blah. You’re just not good enough. It’s a horrible feeling.

Imposter syndrome can be really tough to deal with, but it doesn’t have to control you. There are ways to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your authentic creative voice.

Here are some tips: Continue reading “Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative”

9, July 202321, July 2023

Rising Above the Unthinkable: Navigating Challenges as a Creative

Sometimes, life throws us curveballs that we never see coming. These challenges can be big or small, but they can all have a big impact on our mental health and creativity.

If you’re a creative person, you know that your work is often a reflection of your inner state. When you’re going through a tough time, it can be hard to find the motivation to create. But it’s important to remember that creativity can also be a powerful tool for healing and coping.

Here are some tips for rising above the unthinkable and reignite your creative spirit:
Continue reading “Rising Above the Unthinkable: Navigating Challenges as a Creative”

7, July 202321, July 2023

The Art of Receiving Feedback

Have you ever gotten feedback that made you feel upset or hurt? It can be tough to handle criticism, but did you know that too much flattery doesn’t always help you grow either?

To grow as a creative it’s helpful explore how to handle feedback effectively by toning down harsh criticism and diluting excessive flattery. By finding the right balance, we can learn and grow while staying positive. You can do it – T.G.I.F (Thank God I’m Fabulous) – right?
Continue reading “The Art of Receiving Feedback”

2, July 202321, July 2023

Coaching Doesn’t Work: Debunking the Myth and Unleashing Your Potential

There’s a common misconception that coaching doesn’t work, that it’s merely a fad or a waste of time. However, when it comes to unlocking your creative potential and achieving success, coaching can be a powerful tool. Let’s explore why coaching is far from ineffective and how it can help you thrive. Continue reading “Coaching Doesn’t Work: Debunking the Myth and Unleashing Your Potential”

24, June 202330, June 2023

Relax! How Taking Breaks Boosts Your Creativity

Man in a tree boosting his creativity by relaxing.
In our fast-paced world, it can be hard to find time to take a break. Worse than that, if you’re driven, you feel guilty or bad if you’re not working 24/7 (and the weekends too). But did you know that taking breaks can actually help you be more creative?

That’s right! When we’re constantly working, our brains can get overwhelmed and fatigued. This can make it difficult to think clearly and come up with new ideas. But when we take a break, our brains have a chance to rest and recharge. This allows us to come back to our work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

In addition, taking breaks gives our brains a chance to “incubate” ideas. Incubation is the process of subconscious thinking that happens when we’re not actively working on a problem. This is when our brains make connections between different ideas and come up with creative solutions.

So, how can you take breaks that boost your creativity? Here are a few tips:

Get outside. Taking a walk in nature is a great way to clear your head and relax your mind.
Listen to music. Listening to music can help you focus and de-stress.
Engage in a hobby. Doing something you enjoy can help you tap into your creativity.
Take a power nap. A short nap can help you recharge your batteries and improve your focus.

Taking breaks doesn’t mean you have to stop working altogether. You can still be productive while you’re taking a break. Just make sure to do something that relaxes you and helps you clear your head.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed or stuck, take a break. Your creativity will thank you for it!

Here are some additional benefits of taking breaks:

Reduces stress
Improves focus and concentration
Boosts energy levels
Increases productivity
Prevents burnout

So, what are you waiting for? Start taking a few deliberate breaths and a fewbreaks today and see how they can boost your creativity and overall well-being.

Photo by Rob Mulally on Unsplash

23, June 202321, July 2023

How to cope with failure

Failure is an ugly place, I’m not going to pretend it’s not. I hate it when my plans don’t turn out.

Even as I write this I can feel the bitter taste of failure welling up in my throat. You might recognise that taste, that feeling, too. I wish I could give you some deep and meaningful quotes that makes it all go away. But it doesn’t. It’s a condition of being alive and you can take some comfort in being alive.

Sometimes that’s a small comfort. I know that. Things go wrong and *bang* I’m that determined (but misguided) four year old who sewed the oven cloth to my clothes. By mistake or misunderstanding, it makes no difference, the only way out was cutting my work off me. My sister made a big deal of my failure, and that really hurt.

I’ve failed so many times I’ve finally began to build a relationship with failure. Along the way I’ve learned a few tricks to make the depressing ditchwater taste a little better. Here are a few suggestions – tips for how to cope:
Continue reading “How to cope with failure”

18, June 202310, November 2023

Achieving a Work/Life Balance

Neon sign inviting you to work harder. A healthy work/life balance is essential to sustain passion and prevent burnout.
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is crucial for creatives to sustain their passion and prevent burnout. The media is full of stories about stressed out executives who reinvent themselves as artists or undertake a midlife apprenticeship – but it’s nigh on impossible for a carpenter or a fabric designer to reinvent themselves as a corporate high flier. People in the corporate sector might even have the luxury of going part-time while they pursue an art or trade as a hobby that becomes a side gig that becomes an income. Good luck with reversing that flow if you’re milliner. Drain layer. Gardener.

In the realm of arts and trades, finding a balance between the tensions of professional pursuits and personal well-being becomes an absolute priority. Sure, right? Sounds so easy but before you know it you’re working through the night, through the weekend, 24/7 no problem. That’s not unique to arts, trades, corporates, business, or even a job of any kind. We throw our lives at our work. Before you know it our precious lives are quickly fading echoes.

Actually, that’s if you’re lucky…

You know among your extended family and contacts there are people who’ve experienced mental and physical health issues that are at the very least catalysed by their daily work. Stress, trauma, long hours, disrupted sleep, drugs, alcohol, self medication, suicide. “It’s only rock ‘n’ roll” is not an acceptable, mature response.

Establishing clear boundaries and prioritising self-care are key to finding balance. Setting realistic goals and managing time efficiently helps creatives maintain a sense of control over their workload. Embrace creativity outside of work, explore new hobbies, and seek inspiration from diverse sources to reignite passion and prevent monotony. Collaborating with peers and mentors provides valuable support and guidance. Maybe do some volunteer work. A weekend workshop. Get a coach. Striking the right balance between work and personal life not only enhances overall well-being but also fuels creative growth, productivity, and long-term success.

Photo credit: Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash