Are You Secretly Sabotaging Your Creative Career?

Let’s get real for a second. How many times have you told yourself, ‘I’ll start taking my art seriously when I’m a pro’? Or maybe you’ve thought, ‘I can’t charge for this – I’m just a hobbyist.’ If you’re nodding along, you might be sabotaging your creative career.

Here’s the truth bomb: You’re already a professional. If you’re getting paid for your creative work, even occasionally, you’ve crossed that threshold. Stop waiting to ‘become’ what you already are.

The Pro Myth

We’ve got this weird idea in our heads about what it means to be a “pro.” We think it’s someone who has it all figured out, who never makes mistakes, and who probably wears a beret (okay, maybe that last one is just me). But here’s the kicker – that person doesn’t exist.

Being a pro isn’t about knowing everything. It’s not about having a fancy degree or a million followers on Instagram. It’s about how you show up, how you conduct yourself, and most importantly, how you view yourself.

The Mindset Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Creative Career

Here’s where the magic happens. To become a professional, you need to start acting like one before you actually are one. Sounds backward, right? But trust me, this is where the real transformation begins.

I remember when I first started out in photography. I was still in college, studying pre-med, but I had this nagging feeling that I was meant for something else. I started taking photos on the side, and before I knew it, I was getting paid for my work. But you know what? I still didn’t see myself as a professional.

It wasn’t until I printed out business cards that said “Chase Jarvis, Photographer” that something shifted. I didn’t even own a professional camera at the time. But those cards weren’t really for potential clients – they were for me. I needed to convince myself that I was a pro before anyone else would believe it.

Think about it. If you’re already making money from your craft, even if it’s just a little, you’re already on the path. But if you’re still thinking of yourself as “just a hobbyist,” you’re holding yourself back.

Imposter syndrome is real, and it’s a creativity killer. It whispers in your ear, telling you that you’re not good enough, that you don’t belong. But here’s a secret: everyone feels like an imposter sometimes. Even the biggest names in the industry have moments of doubt.

The key is to acknowledge those feelings and then push past them. Remember, you don’t need permission from anyone else to claim your identity as an artist or a professional.

Action Steps to Claim Your Professional Identity

Conduct a “creative audit”: List all the paid work you’ve done in the last year. Seeing it on paper can help shift your perspective.
Practice the “I am” statement: Say “I am a professional [photographer/designer/etc.]” out loud daily. This helps rewire your self-perception.
Update your public profiles: Change your bio on social media and professional sites to reflect your professional status.
Set professional standards: Create a pricing structure, contract template, and workflow process as a professional would.
Join a professional association: Surround yourself with others who take their craft seriously.
Invest in your craft: Allocate a percentage of your earnings to equipment, education, or marketing as a business would.
Create a mission statement: Define your purpose and values as a creative professional.

Remember, all you need to do is the verb to be the noun. Want to be a photographer? Take photos. Want to be a writer? Write. It’s that simple, and that challenging.

Action Beats Perfection: Stop Sabotaging Your Creative Career

Here’s another truth: You don’t need to be perfect to be a pro. In fact, waiting for perfection is the surest way to never become one.

Instead of waiting until you feel ready (spoiler alert: you’ll never feel 100% ready), start taking action now. Share your work, even if it’s not perfect. Charge for your services, even if you’re still learning. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

The Power of Community

One of the best ways to shift your mindset from hobbyist to pro is to surround yourself with other creatives who are on the same journey. Join online communities, attend workshops, or find a mentor. Seeing others navigate the same challenges can be incredibly empowering.

Plus, when you start putting yourself out there as a professional, you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way. People will start to see you differently, and more importantly, you’ll start to see yourself differently.

Embracing the Journey

Here’s the beautiful thing about creativity – it’s a journey, not a destination. Even when you do “make it” as a pro, you’ll still be learning, growing, and evolving. That’s what makes this path so exciting.

So stop waiting until you’re “a pro” to make badass art. Start now, with whatever tools and skills you have. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, keep creating.

Your Next Steps

Identify your craft. What’s the thing you love doing, even if you’re not getting paid for it (yet)?
Start calling yourself by that title. If you paint, you’re an artist. If you write, you’re a writer. Own it.
Set professional standards for yourself. How would a pro in your field conduct themselves? Start doing that.
Share your work regularly. Don’t wait for perfection – get your art out into the world.
Monetize your craft, even in small ways. Pros make money. Start

Remember, the world needs your unique voice and vision. Don’t keep it hidden away because you’re waiting to feel like a pro. Step into that identity now, and watch how it transforms not just your art, but your entire creative journey. So, what are you waiting for? Stop sabotaging your creative career and start making some badass art today.

Enjoy!