Overcoming Self-Doubt: How Coaching Helps Creatives Build Confidence
As an artist with over 16 years of experience working alongside creatives, I’ve seen first-hand how common it is for artists, writers, designers, and makers to struggle with self-doubt. If you’re a creative, you may recognize some of these thoughts:
• “I feel like an imposter.”
• “Am I good enough?”
• “Everyone else seems to be doing better than me.”
• “I feel exposed.”
• “What if people are talking about me?”
• “I’m scared of what others might think.”
• “It’s not perfect.”
These thoughts are more than just passing worries — they are often deep-rooted beliefs that quietly shape our confidence, creativity, and ability to move forward. And it’s not just creatives who feel this way — even CEOs and high-achievers face similar internal doubts.
The good news? These patterns can be changed.
Through creative coaching, I help clients become aware of their inner critic — that voice that questions, undermines, and holds us back. We begin by exploring where and when these feelings show up. Is it in your creative work, social situations, or moments of visibility? Awareness is the first step toward reclaiming control.
Once you start to recognize your inner critic, you can learn to work with it, rather than against it. You might even say: “Oh, hello Inner Critic.” From there, we explore key questions:
• Is this belief based in reality?
• Who says I’m not good enough?
• What does ‘perfect’ really mean?
Together, we trace the roots of these beliefs — perhaps a critical teacher, a past experience, or a fear of judgment. Then we can begin the work of reframing those thoughts into something more supportive, realistic, and empowering.
Even just a few coaching sessions can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and confident in your creative journey.
If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.