Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Kick Self-Doubt to the Curb

Self-doubt is particularly dangerous as it cannot only prevent you from starting a project, but can also hit you mid-stride, causing you to falter and quit. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, you’re going to have a hard time selling it to someone else. No matter what your current level or skills, there are always others who are less and more talented than you in your field. Many times the only difference between those who succeed vs those that fade away into obscurity are not in their talents, but in the confidence they show when offering them.

Personally, I tend to always second-guess my efforts or doubt whether what’s the use of creating something if there is no one to view it. Of course, conversely, you can’t gain an audience for your work if you never commit and finish anything!

I’ve come to realize that there IS an audience for everything. Even the worst movie in the world will have at least one fan. With the worldwide access provided by the Internet, gaining an audience for your work might be challenging, but it can be done. Witness the rise of micro-niches, the Long Tail, User-created content and social networking.

Today, one can develop a core following within a narrow demographic or interest group and find relative success.

Each of us must do what only we can and know that there is an rabid, but perhaps small audience eagerly awaiting your next completed project and go for it!

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing that! I've had a rough few weeks wallowing in my own self-doubt goo. I have to start making a living, like NOW, so I don't have that luxury, anymore. Which is a bummer cause I'm really good at it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. keep drawing - that's all you can do - draw/create what you want and don't think too much more about it, only about the next thing you're going to make - i love your work!

    ReplyDelete