From bugs to butterflies
As we approach our creative goals, or find ourselves progressing closer toward our dreams, we often come up against our personal fears. Fears are healthy, and valid, but often they can be a real barrier to success. So I’ve taken some time to identify the fears we often face and think about the creative solutions you can use instead. I’ve decided to name these fears “bugs” and to offer you a beautiful “butterfly” solution!
You can download the FREE poster for my bugs to butterflies tips here
BUG 1: OVERLOADED
Being overloaded, or feeling overwhelmed, is a really common bug to have. You don’t know where to start or what to do first, so you freeze. It’s easier to do nothing that face tackling everything, right? I think this bug has to be the main cause of creative standstill for most of us.
BUTTERFLY 1: BREAK IT DOWN
Did you know that doing just one thing a day will move you closer to your goals? The break-it-down butterfly reminds us to take everything step by step. Ask for help when you need it, focus on one single task at a time. If lists help, use them. Spreadhseets, doodles, or a voice notation? Go for it. Take a deep breath, then step forward - one step at a time.
BUG 2: TOO BUSY
This little bug is too busy for their own good. Each task feels too giant, there isn’t enough time and there’s simply too much to achieve! You might hear “I don’t have time” or “this isn’t important enough”. There are many excises the busy bug will find to stop you moving forward.
BUTTERFLY 2: FLEXIBILITY
Use this butterfly to remind yourself that time can be harnessed in small, available windows. Doing just a few minutes every day really adds up - use the little gaps you find to fill with those single one-step-at-a-time tasks and you’ll soon be on your way!
BUG 3: INTROVERT
Feeling too afraid to take up space? This little bug has you hiding behind the door. You don’t want to share, or show your work. What if no-one likes it? What if it’s no good? Self doubt has you hanging back and resisting.
BUTTERFLY 3: SHINE IN YOUR OWN STYLE
Seek refuge in this shiny butterfly! Your style and your work are unique - no one makes what you do the way you do. There’s plenty of room for you in this world! Allow yourself to shine and be a part of the creative world - be yourself, know that it doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be a step forward and this way you’ll always be making progress!
BUG 4: ALL ALONE
Lonely little bug wants you to think you are doing this alone. All by yourself. Floating along on an island with no-one to turn to. There’s no one who gets you, or your dreams. No one to support you. Your creativity is squished by this bug.
BUTTERFLY 4: COMMUNITY
Connection and community are your friends. Reach out to a community of like-minded creatives and spark joy in your journey. Join social groups, make friends online with creative peers, sign up to a course - you’ll soon find friends to help you grow.
There are many little bugs that try to keep us from reaching our dreams. But if you learn to identify them you can turn them into butterflies and fly off on your own adventure with confidence. If you feel far from this path, then use a little imagination - fake it a little - there’s nothing wrong with a bit of make believe to kick start your journey. What you do matters, it is important and should be celebrated.
