How Good Are You?

One thing that can get in the way of creativity is that we can rationalize about our failures and thus never improve. Maybe we think “what I’ve done is good enough, and better than most.” When the rejection comes, you make it about the problems around the sale or with the gatekeeper, rather than the quality of your art.Or the opposite might be true. Maybe your art IS good but you can’t recognize that—you never submit it because you’re waiting until you’ve mastered the art to your own satisfaction.This raises the question: What if it’s only by being clear and honest with YOURSELF about your shortcomings (or your abilities!) that you can grow your creative career?The Gifted Underachievers discuss the implications and realities of this human frailty, the “Dunning-Kruger Effect,” Maya Angelou’s nomination day for the Nobel Prize (correction: she did NOT win), and how not to self-sabotage yourself.Questions for Listeners:* Do you think you are ‘good’ at your art?* Or do you think you have a long way to go to get good?* How do you check whether what you’re doing has reached your own definition of artistically viable?* What’s an easy win you could set yourself up for?For Further Exploration:Pat’s MFA advisor quoted in the segment: Benjamin Percy:https://benjaminpercy.com/ and https://www.whiting.org/awards/winners/benjamin-percy#/Maya Angelou’s many awards: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_honors_received_by_Maya_AngelouHow to Stop Self-Sabotage:Thanks for listening to Gifted Underachievers! This post is public so feel free to share it.If you aren’t already a subscriber, we’d love to have you in the GU Clubhouse! Always free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.Want to Show Your Support for the Gifted Underachievers?We’d be very grateful for your support in either of the two following ways:1. Visit our merch shop!We have T-shirts, notebooks, hats, fridge magnets, mugs, and more. (Note: We’re working on getting free or low shipping in all countries!)2. Help us harness the wisdom of our Gifted Achiever guests!Here in the GU Clubhouse, we’ve gleaned and gathered incredible wisdom from our creative guests, whom we fondly call the Gifted Achievers. Help us put this wisdom into a series of handy guides that you can take on your so-called vacation to learn how to grow your audience, increase your capacity, and make more money doing what you love. Click here to donate $5 toward the project. The first 20 donors will get a free guide! https://ko-fi.com/giftedunderachievers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit giftedunderachievers.substack.com