The 21st Century Creative

What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as a Creative? with Deborah Henry-Pollard


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However talented we are, most of us can recite a personal anthology of reasons why our artistic dreams must wait until ‘someday’. Creative coach Deborah Henry-Pollard has heard them all – and written the field-guide to dismantling them.

In this lively episode the London-based author of What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as an Artist? explains why excuses feel protective yet keep us small, and shares practical ways to turn fear into forward momentum.

‘I wanted the book to be a hug on a shelf’ – listen to hear Deborah’s no-nonsense compassion in action.






Episode summary
Deborah Henry-Pollard

Deborah is the founder of Catching Fireworks, a coaching practice dedicated to helping creatives turn big ideas into finished work. Her clients range from West End theatre companies to independent artists and writers. In her debut book she lists the most common self-sabotaging stories – then offers quick, coach-tested antidotes for each one.

Big ideas in this conversation
  • Excuses are over-protective friends – they arise to keep us safe, but ultimately fence us in.
  • Confidence is renewable – a personal ‘success list’ can reboot self-belief on demand.
  • Success is self-defined – knowing what achievement looks and feels like to you is a daily compass, not a distant milestone.
  • Advice worth hearing in full
    • Create an anchor – a physical object or phrase that drops you instantly into your ‘bigger self’ before pitches, launches or shows.
    • Compile a ten-item confidence list – record wins large and small; revisit it whenever ‘not good enough’ strikes.
    • Reframe self-promotion – sharing work isn’t indulgent, it’s a public service: ‘Your country needs you!’
    • Where next?

      Dive into more excuse-busting tips, coaching options and Deborah’s tango-inspired short film at CatchingFireworks.co.uk.

      About The 21st Century Creative podcast

      Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.

      Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.

      Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

      Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.

      The post What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as a Creative? with Deborah Henry-Pollard appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.

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