The Enemy of Creativity – Comparison
Who doesn’t compare. We can’t help ourselves. However comparing your work to someone else is ultimately comparing your worth.
Comparison comes from a place of insecurity. And comparison is all about conformity.
Conformity? I was challenged when I read this in one of the books I’m currently enjoying, The gifts of Imperfection. I had never thought of it this way. I looked at comparison as a way to stay ‘current’ in my work. However the concept of conformity really makes sense, if we are all looking alike we’re conforming with something and someone and it’s not unique to who we are, what we offer and what we produce.
Most designers and creative people don’t want to look like everyone else, but still… we compare. We compare our style, our skill, and our vision and even compare how many likes and shares our work is receiving over others on social media. This has brought comparison and popularity to a whole new level.
Though it’s important to stay relevant in social media, it shouldn’t validate your worth.
So how can you escape your own personal trap of comparison?
First we need to look at creativity. At the root there are no rules. That is the freedom of art and creating. It’s what you feel, want, imagine and bring to life. There is no right and wrong in what you make. The beauty of creativity is freedom.
So why do we compare?
Again it goes back to insecurity and rejection at times. Instead of looking so close at others, look closely at how far your own work has evolved. As you work on your skill sets, set some goals that you can reach. Focus on this, not on what others are doing. Set your own path and stay focused on it.
You can be who you are and let others be who they are. When you let go, you can enjoy your work. You can celebrate the work of others too without being threatened. With an open mind you can learn from others who are further ahead. And as you grow you can mentor others and find a whole new level of satisfaction.
Letting go of comparisons requires constant awareness. Awareness of the triggers that you get caught up in, that trap you and ultimately drain your creativity and energy.
