I am the master of self limiting beliefs. So I’ve learned to question them and eventually move past them.
A very narrow box indeed.
Over the years, the stories that I tell myself about what I can and can’t do have created a very narrow creative box to work in. The internal dialogue I have about what I’m capable of rarely holds up upon inspection. Yet I’ve let these stories define and guide my creative journey.
Recently I was reminded in a recent Creativity Clubhouse about how many of these limitations I’ve blown by. Jane (and others) reminded me about how I’ve said on more than one occasion: “I don’t use a tripod.” “Studio photography isn’t my thing.” And “I don’t use Photoshop to edit my photos.”
STORYTELLING
Of course we all laughed because I do all of these things now. And honestly I enjoy taking photos in my studio as much as I do outdoors. Plus, really learning how to use Photoshop has expanded my storytelling abilities.
Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone is never an easy thing to do. But when I do, I love looking back and feeling a sense of pride that only comes from doing hard things.
I’ve come to realize that my self-limiting beliefs are a form of storytelling. Except that these stories have no relationship to who I am or what I’m capable of. Some of these stories originated with thoughtless comments from both strangers and friends alike. While others are based on my own fear of failure.
I don't use photoshop
The “I don’t use Photoshop (PS) to edit my photos” has been one of the worst stories I’ve told myself. By avoiding the program and using Lightroom (LR) instead, I’ve been limiting my growth. While LR is a fabulous program, it doesn’t take me where I want to go.
So this spring I embarked on an online workshop to finally learn PS. I knew I had a strong chance of not finishing. So I created an accountability group of like minded creatives to support and be supported by. Independently we embarked on a truly overwhelming series of videos to learn how to use layers, brushes and textures. Every few weeks we would meet up and share our progress and swap tips.
I don’t think I would have made it as far as I did without this wonderful accountability group!
Better stories - better outcomes
During the past six years I’ve learned to examine my self limiting beliefs. As soon as I say “I can’t do [X]” I know it’s time to dig a little deeper.
I’ve noticed that with each small success, it makes it easier to overcome the next self limiting belief. Because, it seems that there is always a next one.
I’ve also learned to use the tools and supports that have worked for me in the past. This helps to make the learning process easier and more fun. Tools such as:
- Remind myself of all the other times I’ve succeeded
- Embrace a beginners mind set. This means I give myself permission to make mistakes.
- Create a support group or join a community around the activity.
This last lesson is the most important. Because if something isn’t fun, I will never finish!
I’m so happy that I’ve been able to overcome these terrible stories I was telling myself. I even don’t mind the gentle ribbing I get from my Creativity Community about it. I’ve earned it! And because I was able to step outside of my self-limiting beliefs I can create images I’m proud of.
“In this life, I have squeezed myself into more boxes than I can count. Of all of these, the smallest are the ones I have built for myself.⠀”
― Jeanette LeBlanc
2 Responses
After I began to take your workshops, back in January 2023, the way I make my photographs has been evolving thanks to all the ideas that all the participants show and all the information and prompts that you give us to make the challenges that are in every workshop; I really enjoy being part of your toy photography community and I know I will be learning much more in the next workshops that I will take. Thanks for being such a support and inspiration for myself.
Luis thank you for your kind words. I enjoy having you as a member of our community! You are a constant source of inspiration on both posing and lighting. Keep being ‘curious’ – its a word that is serving you well. See you in the next round of workshop challenges!