#138: How To Manage Your Creative Anxiety With Rhonda Douglas
Apr 16, 2024
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Strategist Rhonda Douglas shares tips on handling creative anxiety and writer's block. She discusses preventive vs. curative measures, breaking down writing tasks, and proactive approaches like setting a cozy writing ambiance. The episode emphasizes personalized solutions for writers to manage anxiety and foster creativity.
Managing creative anxiety involves proactive measures like setting up a comfortable writing environment.
Breaking down the writing process into smaller tasks can help overcome creative anxiety and writer's block.
Deep dives
Understanding Creative Anxiety as Part of the Creative Process
Creative anxiety is a common experience for writers, often ranging from mild resistance to severe writer's block. It's essential to view creative anxiety as a normal part of the writing journey, rather than a reflection of personal shortcomings. By breaking down the writing process into manageable steps and understanding that challenges will arise, writers can navigate through creative anxiety and continue making progress in their work.
Strategies for Dealing with Creative Anxiety
Rhonda emphasizes the importance of reframing negative thoughts and focusing on what can be controlled in the writing process. By using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to challenge and replace unhelpful thoughts, writers can shift their mindset towards growth and possibility. Practical approaches such as breaking projects into smaller tasks and staying present in each phase of writing can help writers navigate through creative anxiety.
Normalization of Creative Anxiety in the Writing Community
Addressing creative anxiety as a common experience among writers can help reduce feelings of isolation and self-doubt. Normalizing creative anxiety as a part of the creative process can alleviate the pressure writers may feel and allow them to approach challenges with a more open and accepting mindset. Recognizing that creative anxiety is a shared experience can foster a sense of community and support among writers.
Empowering Writers to Overcome Creative Anxiety
Empowering writers to confront and manage creative anxiety involves acknowledging the uncertainties and fears that may arise during the writing process. By developing resilience and embracing uncertainty as a natural part of creativity, writers can cultivate a more positive relationship with their work. Encouraging writers to focus on what they can control, seek support from the writing community, and trust in their ability to navigate challenges can help them overcome creative anxiety and continue creating meaningful work.
“Writing is a creative project. It's not an earthquake, but the thoughts and the worries can feel similar. If I can have a positive association or feel prepared for an earthquake, surely I can do that for writing.”- Rhonda Douglas Ever found yourself staring at the blank page, trying to write but unable to find the right words? You’re not alone! Tune in to hear Rhonda Douglas share strategies for managing creative anxiety and writer’s block. Here’s a preview of what’s included
[01:29] What is creative anxiety and how does it commonly show up?
[12:13] The difference between preventive vs. curative measures for dealing with creative anxiety and some examples of each that you can implement in your routine
[32:21] Dividing the writing process into smaller segments, such as outlining part one of your book or focusing on just one paragraph, can help you overcome creative anxiety
[38:24] I adored Rhonda's insight in this episode about proactively addressing creative anxiety before it even kicks in during your writing sessions. It's such a brilliant notion! Plus, the beauty lies in how personalized this approach can be for each writer. Whether it's a quick meditation session, setting up a cozy ambiance with a flickering candle, or simply brewing a comforting cup of tea while rounding up your favorite snacks, the options are endless!