WHEN TALENT IS NOT ENOUGH

Some of your earliest memories might include being told how talented and gifted you are. Your self-perception and identity may have a solid sense of being "a natural" at songwriting, painting, writing, singing, and so on. Early experiences that contribute to the feeling of being talented are an indisputable advantage when it comes to developing the motivation to pursue creative work. However, there needs to be more. Here are 4 areas that you, a creative client, can explore with your therapist to ensure that your talent is fully maximized:

1. ​Work habits: You and your therapist can look into how set up a work routine. Do you spend time on many creative projects at once? Or focus on one at a time? Do you have a set schedule or wait for inspiration to "strike?"
2. Empowerment: Whether you feel "entitled" to spend time using your talent for creative work will make a difference. Do you question if time spent on art, musical expressive, or writing is time well-spent? Are you inclined to doubt every step you take during creative moments?
3. Persistence: Sessions can focus on your overall attitude and outlook when it comes to failure and rejection. Do you give up as soon as an idea doesn't go as planned? Or do you have helpful thoughts that will allow you to get back up the moment you fall. 
4. Stimulation: How open are you to taking risks, and exposing yourself to new ideas? You and your therapist can think about what's holding you back from receiving the kind of stimulation that will trigger unexpected, yet, valuable thought processes.

by Olga Gonithellis