By Wes Annac, Openhearted Rebellion

Self-expression is a fundamental part of life. Most of us want to create things that reflect who we feel we are, because in doing so, we leave behind a part of us that the rest of the world can get something positive from. Yet, we are also self-conscious, and we often struggle to make something we feel is worthy.

If what we create isn’t good, then why bother making anything at all?

It’s perfectly acceptable to have standards for your art. But what if those standards make you too anxious to create? What if you decide you’re unworthy before you can even get off the ground?

If this is the case for you, then here’s a solution that may seem radical but really isn’t: let it suck. Make whatever you’re going to make, work on it until it’s at its absolute best, and if you still think it sucks, then sit with that feeling in acceptance. Take pride in it no matter what shape it is in. I guarantee you will feel better even if your work appears sub-par to you.

It is ideal to give yourself space to create and to accept that your creativity is valid regardless of whether it lives up to someone else’s standards. How many poor souls have started making art but stopped because they assumed they weren’t good enough? How many have abandoned a potentially fulfilling creative outlet – and even a possible career – because of an understandable yet overbearing fear of inadequacy?

We can liken it to the gym. Far too many people never step foot in a gym because they feel like they don’t belong. They’ve been made to feel like they exist outside of society’s narrow standards for attractiveness or physical fitness. They prefer not to be around people they think will judge, ridicule, or make them feel inferior. The reasons go on, and they’re all unfortunate.

The sad thing is that if these folks found the right space to workout in, then they would be welcomed by a supportive community that wants to see everyone in that space thrive. They might even discover a passion for fitness that can translate into other forms of expression they are too nervous to jump into.

Although self-doubt has its place in a rational, discerning mind, it can also be a monster. It could stop the next brilliant artist from proudly displaying their work for all their future fans. It could stop the next personal trainer from ever trying that first terrifying gym workout. It could stop all manner of creative people from showing the world how inventive and clever they really are.

It is healthy to be self-aware and to strive for quality in all that you do. Just don’t let your inner critic’s voice become so loud that it drowns out your own. Have faith in yourself and be confident that what you create is worthy of being made because you are worthy.

You have as much of a right to express yourself as anyone. Let the pressure fade as you do what only you can do.