Have you ever committed to creating even when you didn't believe in yourself?

In this mini-episode of 'This Is How We Create,' Martine Severin explores the quiet yet persistent power that drives artists to create even when faced with doubt, external pressures, and self-criticism. She shares a profound revelation from a cinematographer who admitted there were times in her successful career when she simply didn't believe in herself - yet continued moving forward.

Episode Highlights

• There's a gap between creative dreams and current reality that can feel like failure
• Creative resilience isn't flashy - it's about honoring the contract you made with yourself to be an artist
• The difference between orchestrating success versus influencing it
• How separating actions from fluctuations in self-perception can liberate your creative process
• What if the next level of your art requires stillness rather than hustle?
• Embracing your unique way of being and seeing the world
• How generosity and genuine connection can help navigate the "valley of doubt"

Key Takeaways

• Creative resilience is essential for navigating the natural ebbs and flows of artistic life
• External metrics shouldn't overshadow the simple joy of creating
• Stillness and quiet can lead to deeper creative insights than forced productivity
• Community support makes navigating doubt easier - we're not meant to walk this path alone
• Your creativity is defined by commitment, not belief in yourself

Your Creative Assignment

1. Reconnect with the original contract you made with yourself about making art
2. Carve out time for deliberative practice - 15 minutes of just being
3. Ask yourself: "How might I be if I believed in myself every moment of the day?"
4. Reach out to someone in your community with genuine curiosity - not to get something, but to give your full attention

Sound Bites

"What if the next level to your art requires something that's counterintuitive? What if it requires stillness?"

"Generosity turns out is a secret passcode and a password that opens doors, especially for those of us who find traditional networking exhausting."

"Your creativity isn't defined by beliefs or doubts, it's defined by your commitment."

Episode Chapters

00:00 The Creative Journey Begins 02:45 Navigating Doubt and Resilience 06:12 The Power of Stillness 09:01 Community and Connection in Creativity 11:54 Commitment Over Belief

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This episode of This Is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.