30 Ways That Fear Stops You From Creating

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Hey, Reader,

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question about your biggest creative obstacle.

And for many of us, it’s fear. We may not call it fear, we may call it, trouble getting started or staying focused, but more often than not, it is fear.

It doesn’t help that industries like Hollywood operate out of fear and work hard to keep creatives in perpetual fear.

So I wanted to name some of the ways that fear stops us from doing the work we’re meant to do.

BTW: The Creative Comeback Workbook is designed to help you name and overcome your fears so that you can get back on creative track.

30 Ways That Fear Stops You From Creating

1. Not starting
2. Not finishing
3. Not sharing the work for feedback
4. Endless feedback loops because you’re trying to make the work perfect
5. Not sharing the work with your audience once it’s finished
6. Endless research
7. Procrastination
8. Putting other’s people projects before your own
9. Working on projects that don’t align with your vision, mission, or desires
10. Not writing what you actually want to write or writing for who you actually want to write for
11. Not trying new mediums or formats
12. Thinking you need a writing partner (and sometimes we do, but sometimes we don’t)
13. Lack of motivation
14. Can’t find the time (many of us are legitimately busy, but is this the real reason?)
15. Focused on awards, accolades versus the work
16. Focused on what the market wants
17. Not marketing your work after it’s finished
18. Not talking about your work
19. Talking about writing instead of actually writing
20. Not putting in the work to make your writing as great as it can be
21. Confusion and lack of clarity
22. Needing inspiration to get started
23. Not picking one writing project and seeing it through completion
24. Not asking for or getting help when needed
25. Letting your inner critic lead
26. Not believing in your voice or talent / lack of confidence
27. Holding back in your work
28. Not being authentic in your work
29. Not trusting your instincts
30. Trying to control uncontrollables

Bonus: Excuses

If any of these resonate, I encourage you to dig into the why behind it. Why am I not motivated to write? Why can’t I finish this script? Why do I keep putting other people’s projects before my own?

One of the keys to my success has been understanding, naming, and working through my fears. A lot of the process that I go through to do this is outlined in The Creative Comeback Workbook.

I also steer clear of assuming other people’s fears. And I consider what I'm losing out on - creatively, professionally, personally, financially - when I let my fears lead. That consideration has changed my life. Try it.

BTW: Bring your community along, forward them this email and encourage them to subscribe.

Felicia Pride TV Writer. Filmmaker. CEO. Building HONEY CHILE, an indie media company serving Black women 40+, and empowering other niche storytellers to tell their stories and reach their audiences.

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The Build Bundle All of the tools you need for developing your writing craft, pitching your tv/film projects, making your work, and strategizing for a long-lasting career. It's what I wish I had starting out and even mid-way through my career—tried and true tactics, examples, and strategies to help you accelerate your journey. ENROLL TODAY

The Creative Comeback Workbook by Felicia Pride It's time for you to start writing again and tell the stories burning within. Through 30 prompts, you'll discover your why, develop a writing schedule, outline your projects and unearth what's holding you back from the career of your dreams. These are the exact steps I took to make my creative comeback. Purchase on Book Shop.​ GET THE WORKBOOK

tender: the official script book by Felicia Pride Specially designed, the script for Felicia Pride’s award-winning short film tender! Also includes an original essay by Felicia and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos. A PDF eBook sent immediately upon purchase. GET YOUR COPY

LOOK BACK AT IT: The Official Script Book by Felicia Pride Specially designed, the script for Felicia Pride’s award-winning short film LOOK BACK AT IT! Also includes an original essay by Felicia and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos. A PDF eBook sent immediately upon purchase. GET YOUR COPY

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING...

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