Creative Self-Destructionist: Which one are you?
TL;DR
Whether you struggle with perfectionism, procrastination, cynicism, or taking care of yourself, there are actions you can take to get support and stay the course toward your goals.
Horoscopes, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs — you name it. We’re all looking to figure out where we fit in, and how to best utilize the assets we already have.
While these broad classifications refer to different personality types, they can often apply to the way you work creatively, as well.
In both Private Coaching and The Creative Path course, it’s a joy for me to work with so many different kinds of artists.
The amazing humans I’ve gotten to coach over the years span such a wide range of disciplines. But across the board, there are incredible similarities in the way that creative people approach their work.
Coaching for as long as I have, I’ve begun to recognize the patterns of when and how these traits — and roadblocks — appear.
You probably don’t need me to tell you which one applies to you.
But I can tell you that I’ve seen The Creative Path course be a success time and again for artists who struggle with perfectionism, procrastination, cynicism and self-care.
And I’ve done my research to find the tools to help my clients (and myself!) bypass these roadblocks and get to work.
Below, I've laid out the four types of creative self-destruction that I encounter on a regular basis and the ways in which The Creative Path can help you overcome them.
Why THE PERFECTIONIST needs The Creative Path
THE PROBLEM: “If it’s not going to be perfect, then why even bother?” This is the most common pattern of self-destructive thinking I see among my coaching clients. And it’s virtually impossible to be creative under the stress of “getting it right.”
TAKE ACTION: As a Perfectionist, try to allow trial and error to have a place in your process. Step-by-step thinking will help you be gentle with yourself. In The Creative Path Course, we break down seemingly daunting tasks into bite-sized manageable chunks. Sometimes it’s just about recognizing how much you actually haveaccomplished that propels you to the next step.
THE RESULT: As Winston Churchill famously said: "Perfection is the enemy of progress." Agonizing over whether you're doing something perfectly will leave you exactly that — agonized. Getting something done and moving onto the next thing will have you feeling far more satisfied in the end.
Why THE PROCRASTINATOR needs The Creative Path
THE PROBLEM: Being a Procrastinator doesn’t mean you're lazy. Yes, you heard that right. This type of artist is usually a perfectionist in disguise, unable to begin because of an all-consuming case of imposter syndrome. It’s incredibly easy to put off long-term daunting goals when they’re just that — larger than life and seemingly far-fetched.
TAKE ACTION: When we put things down and create a serious plan — with serious deadlines — we can actually measure our progress as we go. In The Creative Path Course, you’ll reverse engineer a plan for an entire year, and leave well-equipped with a toolbox for getting through the “hard” stuff.
THE RESULT: I know and you know that the first step is the hardest, but once you get going, productivity creates a snowball effect. Trust me — take action and the motivation to do more will follow.
Why THE CYNIC needs The Creative Path
THE PROBLEM: Being critical and cynical about our own work before it even happens. Rejection is a fact of life for artists, and there’s certainly less if we never put ourselves out there. But being a cynic stunts production and vitality. Cynicism is simply fear masked in attitude.
TAKE ACTION: Shake off your Inner Critic, and put down the burden of being a Cynic. In The Creative Path Course, we aren’t afraid to work with our Inner Critic — accepting that we will always be toughest on ourselves. When you look your own fears square in the face, you can acknowledge their existence and MOVE. ON.
THE RESULT: I love this quote from Stephen Colbert: “Cynicism is self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow. Saying 'yes' leads to knowledge.” The world is open and available for you, and it’s time you make the same room for it!
Why THE CARETAKER needs The Creative Path
THE PROBLEM: I’ve noticed that one of the hardest things for many creatives to admit is that being an artist isn’t selfish. As a Caretaker, you often find yourself putting the needs and comfort of others before your own (right, parents?) leaving little time to stoke your own inner fire.
TAKE ACTION: Put 2-hours a week aside to recommit to YOU. When we put our art and our passions at the forefront of our lives — committing to being our most authentic selves — we inspire others to do the same. Taking The Creative Path Course is an act of self-care in itself. You’ll find tools and techniques to conquer work-life balance and reframe your thinking — self-care isn’t selfish.
THE RESULT: Putting yourself last and ignoring your own needs is ultimately exhausting. Self-care ensures that you have the necessary energy (physical, mental, and emotional) to meet life's challenges and show up for your creative self.
If you identify with ANY of the above types and you haven’t taken The Creative Path Course yet, now is the perfect time to take action.
This week ONLY — when you purchase the course for $997, you will ALSO get one of the 20 open spots left in my Fall Cohort!
Join me and a group of fellow creatives for weekly group coaching sessions all Fall as you work through my signature Path system and design your plan for the next year of your life and career!
These group coaching sessions guide you through your course experience in real time. If you are SERIOUS about moving the needle with your career, here’s your shot.
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It’s only available through this special offer,
Now thru September 20th your purchase AUTOMATICALLY includes this special group coaching program.
YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND ALL SESSIONS.
THERE ARE NO MAKEUPS.
See dates/times in P.S. below.
(If you're a Path alum and are interested in joining this Fall Cohort, you should have received an email with your options. Reach out if you didn't get the email or if you have any questions.)
We are here to support you with goals, action-planning, accountability check-ins, and tangible accomplishments you can measure, so you can power up and sustain your career long-term.
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P.S. Group Coaching Sessions included in this program are:
REQUIRED ORIENTATION: Thursday, Sept 21 - 8-8:30pm EDT; OR Friday, Sept 22 - 12:30-1:00pm EDT
Monday, Oct 2nd - 12:30-1:30pm EDT
Tuesday, Oct 10th - 12:30-1:30pm EDT
Monday, Oct 16th - 12:30-1:30pm EDT
Monday, Oct 23rd - 12:30-1:30pm EDT
Monday, Oct 30th - 12:30-1:30pm EDT
Monday, Nov 6th - 12:30-1:30pm EST
Monday, Nov 13th - 12:30-1:30pm EST
Monday, Nov 20th - NO SESSION THIS WEEK
Monday, Nov 27th - 12:30-1:30pm EST
Monday, Dec 4th - 12:30-1:30pm EST
Monday, Dec 11th - 12:30-1:30pm EST
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