Typical January Plans and the February Fade

Host Alyson Stanfield reveals an uncomfortable truth in this solo episode: the problem isn't that you don't know enough. The real challenge is building the confidence to act on what you already know. After 23 years of teaching artists, Alyson has realized she's been contributing to information overwhelm when what artists actually need are practices that build steady confidence.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The five major confidence killers that derail your plans
• Six practical confidence-building practices you can start today
• Why your January plans typically fade by February
• How to close the gap between planning and execution
• The difference between accumulating knowledge and trusting yourself

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Alyson reflects on episode 251 and her realization about information overwhelm

01:00 The real problem isn't lack of knowledge—it's information overload

02:00 What typically happens to January plans by February

03:10 Three things that kill confidence: doubt, false beliefs, and comparison

04:10 How perfectionism is actually procrastination in disguise

05:30 The inner critic voices that keep you stuck

06:30 Learning from outside critics versus harsh feedback

07:20 Six practices for building steady confidence

13:00 The gap between planning and working your plan

14:30 Practice steady confidence this season

SUGGESTED ACTION

This week, start one confidence-building practice. Choose the one that resonates most: begin a daily wins list, create your "loved" file, write one affirmation, or commit to one self-care practice. You don't need to do all of them at once. Pick one and practice it consistently.

RELATED EPISODES

Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)

What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (96)

How to Be a More Confident Artist with Gwen Fox (24)

To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/steady-confidence

🔶 For the first time, Essentials is available as a single season option—four months focused entirely on building steady confidence. Running through April, you'll get weekly practices, community support, and access to all learning modules when you need them. The planning workshop gives you the plan. The season gives you the practices to meet your goals. Learn more: Essentials for Steady Confidence

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