Trying to Create From Distorted Perceptions?
By Linda Dessau
We've all met people who are "negative" – negative thinkers who
consistently see the glass as half empty.
In certain situations, particularly stressful ones,
even the most positive person can fall victim to this distorted thinking.
As a creative artist, this kind of thinking can keep us away from
our art and can keep us from enjoying it even when we manage to keep
at it.
Distorted Perceptions Seem Real to Us
I've recently started performing at a monthly "open
mic" event, and it's been a very positive experience. This is a big
change from the intense stage fright I used to have. Back then, as
the sign-up sheet was being passed around from table to table, I probably
would have been thinking:
"I just KNOW I'm going to screw up."
This is an example of "predictive" thinking – when
we're sure we know how something will turn out, or what someone else
is thinking. Predictive thinking tends to come true (have you heard
of the term "a self-fulfilling prophecy"), so be careful about what
you're consciously predicting! If that's something you can imagine
yourself thinking, try this thought on instead:
"I can't know exactly what will happen, so I'm going
to aim to have a great time up there!" Imagine how different your
performance will be with THAT thought instead of the first one.
Or maybe I would have thought:
"I'm so nervous – I'm never going to be good at performing!"
This is an example of black and white thinking. We're
either good at something or we're bad at it. There are only two options,
with nothing in between. This doesn't give us any room to learn, explore,
grow, fail, try again or get better. Try this thought, instead:
"I'm becoming a better and more experienced performer
every time I do it." Imagine the difference to your performance!
Put It Into Play
Choose one of your creative goals. Now, write down
all of the thoughts you have about it. Just vent everything – whatever
comes to mind (use a computer keyboard if that's easier for you).
Watch for any patterns of distorted perception. Are
you predicting how something will turn out? Are you using black &
white thinking?
When you come across an example of distorted perception,
write down a more positive thought that challenges it. If you need
help with this, check out my coaching program for creative artists
at http://www.everydayartistcoachingstudio.com
Predictive thinking and black & white thinking are
just two examples of the many ways our creativity can fall victim
to distorted perceptions. Watch out for these so that the true voice
of your creativity can be heard.
© Copyright Linda Dessau, 2005.
Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists
enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues.
To receive her free monthly newsletter, "Everyday Artist", subscribe
at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/artist-newsletter.html
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