Comments on: Do It So Good That You Don’t Doubt Yourself Anymore

By: joanna

joanna — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:06:17 +0000

Amen, Alyson! Just what I needed to read tonight. Thanks for the great work you do.

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By: Julie Arnan

Julie Arnan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:00:58 +0000

Thank you for the post! I have out of the art game for some time, 3 kids, after studying fine arts in college. I’m finally getting back into it after some time. I think it was just difficult starting and believing I could do it. I have been pleasantly surprised of the positive response I have received. Thanks again for the post.

By: Carol McIntyre

Carol McIntyre — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:33:45 +0000

When I get into one of my Doubting-Carol modes, I try to remember to go and read my file from collectors and followers. I have letters, notes, emails that I keep for just this purpose! (They are also good for writing testimonials on web sites, marketing materials, etc. with permission.)

And if necessary, I go and talk to one of my “Cheerleaders!”

By: Sylvia Tucker

Sylvia Tucker — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:07:37 +0000

Ever since I learned that even the greats, even Monet, suffered terrible self-doubt, I changed my attitude about the pain. Now as soon as I hear myself say “Yuk, I can’t do this. I don’t know anything!”, I reach up, pat myself gently on the opposite shoulder, and murmur “Good, Sylvia, this is good. Just what you are supposed to be feeling. Now make a stroke; make another stroke….”
And somehow it works, and I get past the muddle. I’m reminded that this happens in almost every painting, and I get past it.

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:28:04 +0000

Self doubt can be, as you say, debilitating, but acknowledging that there is more to learn, more to experiment with, and more to Art and the Universe than one person can ever know fully is to be inspired to learn, work, and grow. That said, I have to come back to myself and admit there are occasions (fewer now than before) when my lack of self-confidence has allowed outside remarks or events to stir that negative emotion to the top. When that happens it’s best to just get on with things, to throw myself into my work (creating art or business) with the admonition that if I’m not as good as I want to be, only working on it will bring improvement. It also helps to remind myself how much I have accomplished in my life.

Patricia C Vener
http://vener-art.com/beadblog/

By: Iona Drozda

Iona Drozda — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:17:37 +0000

Hi Alyson…
I LOVE the podcast!! Your voice is, for me, ever a dose of grounded enthusiam and a gentle balm simultaneously…and I enjoy it even more hear with a sound track…ever so bubbly!!

I don’t have an itunes account so I’m not leaving a review there but I am leaving one here and it is 5 Star *****.

Thanks for all the great news that you share with us on a continuous basis.
Hugs
Iona

By: Sandra Cherry Jones

Sandra Cherry Jones — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:37 +0000

Sometimes when I experience self-doubt I get my guest book out from exhibits that I have had and read the comments. That is always an uplift.

By: Jennifer Ressmann

Jennifer Ressmann — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:20:58 +0000

It’s funny – we never question our life when things are going swimmingly. It’s got to be a circle. Up down, round and round. Confident or full of doubt.

I have a wall of inspirational images – artists at work, things I want to accomplish and a binder of inspirational reading to refer to when I’m feeling “blah”. It always helps get me going!

Sometimes a good walk can make you feel good – you gotta find what puts you in the Up Mood and remember to call on it when you feel like tossing in the towel. Or take a break and know – it’s ok.

By: Mandi

Mandi — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:19:56 +0000

I am going through this right now. I woke up the other night with a voice screaming “who are you kidding…you’re a terrible artist”. It screamed all night and since then I’ve wondered and fretted and have been beating myself up over lack of finished work this year and why it’s just not improving as I expect/want. This is debilitating. I am hoping I can move past this soon.