How to Keep Creating When Your Inner Critic Says You're Worthless

Struggling with creative block or self-doubt as an artist? In this episode, Foster breaks open her creative process behind writing and publishing Afternoon Abundance in just 9 months, from blank page to published book. Cesar explores the double-edged sword of being a creative person and the battle between inspiration and self-doubt. They lay out the three pillars every artist needs: time for nothing (unstructured creative time), "this too is honey" (transforming experiences into art), and the create-reflect-recreate cycle. Taking inspiration from Andrea Gibson and Elizabeth Gilbert, they explore how to overcome creative fear, why discomfort is essential for artistic growth, and the audacity required to keep creating when no one's waiting for you to succeed. This conversation is for anyone struggling with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, waiting for permission, or battling their inner critic while trying to bring something new into the world.In this episode they explore: The three pillars every creative person needs (including "time for nothing")What "this too is honey" means for transforming experiences into artThe habit that made sitting down to a blank page less terrifyingWhy no fuck's left to give is actually the secret to unstoppable creativityAlso referenced: Episode 24: What Depression Really Feels LikeEpisode 9: Finding Laughter in Life & Death with Jennica SchwartzmanEpisode 3: Foster’s Loss (losing her son Wilde)The Artist’s Way by Julia CameronYou can also watch the episodes on YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review—it really helps!Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram and TikTok. Cesar Cardona:Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson:Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster WilsonExecutive Producer: Glenn MilleyThis episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & AssociatesSend us Fan Mail