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_Angelou

How to Stop Self-Sabotage:

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