When things don’t go your way in your art practice, what do you do? Like many artists, you might beat yourself up with lots of self-criticism and judgment. You’d be better off creating the habit of having your own back instead. That way, you’ll actually speed up your progress and not look back a year from now with regret that you’re still stuck in the same place.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll reveal exactly what having your own back looks like, why it’s a crucial skill you must learn, and how not doing so can hold you back for years. I’ll also discuss the impact of creating this habit on you as an artist and how compassionate support (from yourself and/or others) helps evolve your art practice.

2:53 – Why self-criticism doesn’t make you a better artist

8:04 - How getting rejected isn’t really about your work

10:29 – What having your own back means and why it’s a crucial skill to develop

14:52 – How creating the habit of having your own back impacts your art practice

17:02 – Explicit and implicit messages you’ve received that encourage self-criticism

20:16 – Why compassion and empathy in the face of rejection help you evolve

24:46 – Why feeling ready to show your work isn’t likely or necessary

Mentioned in Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress

Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”

Join Growth Studio

Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️