Fear Is Not An Excuse

There are many feelings, thoughts and objects that can act as roadblocks on our creative paths. Some will allow that setback to put an end to their creativity, while others will find a way to keep moving forward. Although these issues vary, I believe they all come back to fear. It can prevent almost anything from happening and control a persons thoughts and actions. Fear can make a person do things uncharacteristic to them. Fear has a powerful and manipulative way about it. However, only when faced with fear does a person show their true colors. Fear can bring out the courage of a person. It can show you what is most important in your life and which things you are willing to give up. Fear is a motivator. Fear is not an excuse for not willing yourself to express your creativity.

After reading Twyla Tharp’s fears and what she had to say about them, I realized that I had many of the same. It took until just now for me to identify them. Although her fears are common to many, I also have a few of my own. First, my biggest creative fear is that others will not see the same beauty in it as I do. The worst feeling in the world is being so proud of your work and then being shut down for it. It can make you feel defeated, embarrassed and hopeless. Having confidence in something that you have created is key. However, if others shoot down that confidence, you become discouraged. This discouragement can lead to you developing little or no desire to be creative in the future.

Another fear of mine is giving up somewhere along the way. I often have creative ideas that I long to put into action. Throughout my experience however I have sometimes started those creative actions but lost myself along the road. This in itself is very defeating. Not following the path you begin can make you feel as if you are not achieving the goal you set for yourself. However, the new path you have created can lead to something more. This other path is what scares me. I like planning in advance and following directions. Freedom creates anxiety in my life even though it is at the heart of creativity. This often stops me before I begin. If I believe that I will not be able to stick to my path and persevere, I will not begin at all. I tell myself I cannot without putting any real effort into making it work.

Maybe this book has taught me something about myself. It has definitely showed me where I can improve. It has brought all the intricate parts of my creativity into my consciousness. From here, I can only move forward. I can face these fears and continue onto my pursuit of becoming a more creative thinker.

“No one starts a creative endeavor without a certain amount of fear; the key is to learn how to keep free-floating fears from paralyzing you before you’ve begun.”