3 steps to overcoming failure in creativity
The Christian creative journey is like sculpting a masterpiece from a block of clay or painting a canvas with the hues of your imagination. It’s filled with high moments of purpose and joy, excitement as you see something come to being, but we also face at times the lows that come with “failure”.
My own creative journey has been littered with moments of failure: either things others deemed a failure, or things I thought were. I've come to understand that these setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones for growth and resilience by embracing the imperfections, shifting our focus, and surrounding ourselves with faith-filled community. Let me explain…
1. Stop Seeking Perfection
I’d love to say that everything you create is going to be incredible, world changing, awe inspiring or perfect. But I can’t. In reality, what we make is never going to meet everyone’s idea of good or perfect. Sometimes even our own. God doesn’t need us to create perfect things for Him to use them to bring joy, carry hope, or remind others of His goodness. He actually just needs a surrendered heart, and obedient hands. So try to let go of the need or desire for perfection, and enjoy the creating process with God!!
2. Shift Your Focus
Failure is easier to overcome when your focus is on Jesus, your heart is postured towards the Kingdom of God, and you’re walking with the power of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because your creative journey, from highs to lows, success to failure, is not achieved or overcome by your own ability. When you’re walking with God, and tuning your ear to Him, He provides the steps forward from failure, His Spirit gently leading and comforting you on the way. Instead of focussing on what has gone wrong, or what isn’t right, focus on Him.
3. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Creatives
There’s something beautiful about surrounding yourself with Jesus loving creatives who just get what it means to be a Christian on this journey. In your moments of failure, doubt, or fear, they are a life giving breath of fresh air, and a boost of encouragement to keep going. They’ll remind you of the bigger picture and help keep Kingdom perspective.
If you desire to walk this journey alongside like-minded and faith-filled artists, explore my Creative Journey Community. It's a beautiful opportunity for your artistic expression to be nurtured, and your faith encouraged along the way. My heart is that it would be a blessing to you on this journey with God.
