Part of you understands that you are your own best resource when it comes to creating. No one but you is really in a position to figure out what will make your painting or your poem match your vision. Others are often very good at identifying weaknesses and spotting flaws and their input can be very valuable. But you are the one with the vision. Listen to yourself. Hire yourself!
Like most people, you may have to fight through psychological barriers before you deem yourself smart enough, experienced enough, and worthy enough to be hired.
We will pay an expert hundreds of dollars an hour for legal, financial, and psychological advice—and for editing services, vocal coaching, and so on—but we’re unwilling to pay ourselves the courtesy of trusting that our instincts and knowledge can guide us to the successful completion of our creative projects. Too often we doubt that we have the right stuff and we dismiss our own expertise.
Stop that! Hire yourself as a consultant.
Maybe this will help. Probably there’s something special that you’d like to treat yourself to, like a vacation in Provence or a new computer. Open up a savings account expressly for the purpose of saving for this special treat and pay yourself whenever you consult yourself.
Pick a piece of creative work that you’ve been meaning to tackle, one that you’ve been putting off. Let’s say it’s outlining a new nonfiction book. Have the following conversation with yourself: “I need your help outlining my new book. I’ll pay you thirty dollars an hour for six hours of work today. Deal?”
Take yourself to a café or to your study and work for six hours. Ask yourself questions and answer them. Then, when the money is available, deposit $180 in your special savings account.
This gets you your Provence vacation and your nonfiction book done. Win-win.
Eric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of 30 books, among them "Coaching the Artist Within" and "The Van Gogh Blues," and is widely regarded as America’s foremost creativity coach. His most recent book is Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Productive Obsessions. He is a featured contributor to the HuffingtonPost, ArtBistro, and Art Calendar magazine. Visit Dr. Maisel at EricMaisel.com.
