Overcoming Creative Resistance: Conversations With Your Inner Fred

Creative resistance, all the internal thoughts and barriers that arise and limit or prevent our creativity, is something that is ever present at some level for us as creative people.

It’s simply not possible to eliminate it altogether. Whatever we do, there will always negative self-talk and thoughts that attempt to sabotage our efforts. It’s part of the creative process, indeed it’s part of being a human being.

Often too, it’s when we create more of the work that’s most important to us and has most meaning for us that this creative resistance actually increases, often it seems, very suddenly and violently.

Have you ever noticed when you’ve begun work on a creative project that you’re hugely passionate about and has great importance and meaning to you, how the negative chatter in your head shifts up into overdrive?

"You can't do this", "You're not good enough", "You have no talent", "Who are you trying to kid?", you know the kind of language that appears.

But, now we’ve recognised the reality, here’s the good news.

There ARE ways to live with the often dominant presence of creative resistance and STILL create everything we wish to.

One powerful way is to change your perspective a little in the way you see your creative resistance. Instead of seeing your resistance as a mysterious evil force you should just try to ignore, acknowledge it as a valuable part of you, and address it face to face.

Time to talk back

When you do, the conversation may go something like:

“Resistance, I acknowledge your presence and purpose in my life, and from now on I will address you as Fred. I understand that all you do for me is motivated by positive intentions, and that you’re often just trying to keep me safe, protect me from experiencing disappointment and getting hurt.

I thank you for this continued effort, but I want to make it clear to you that I’m going to carry on creating what’s meaningful for me, and working towards my vision for my creative life, whatever you say to me, now or in the future. My vision, my passion and my desire to create is stronger than you Fred, and will always drive me forward.”

Just the act of recognising and addressing your resistance in this way, by giving it a name and personality, and acknowledging that it (Fred) is motivated by positive intentions, can often dramatically change our relationship with it. As a result its hold over us, and its power to limit and sabotage our creativity is greatly reduced.

Repeat for maximum effect

Addressing Fred just the one time may start to unlock our perspective but won’t necessarily have a lasting effect. This technique gives best results when repeated and maintained, and by having periodic conversations with Fred like the one above, our perception and attitude towards creative resistance will change.

You may also want to add the dimension of Fred having a volume adjustment, controlled by you, and when he starts to get a little too loud or demanding, tell him:

“Fred, again I acknowledge and thank you for your efforts in trying to keep me safe and protected, but you’re getting a little too loud and boisterous. I’m just going to turn your volume down now and continue with my creative work.”

Be open minded with this technique, have fun and play with it to see how it works best for you in reducing the power and influence that creative resistance has in your creative life.

So, creative resistance, what's yours called?

:: Share Your Experience ::

What role does creative resistance and negative self talk play in your creative life? How can you use the above method to make it easier for you to create?

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