I’ve come across an unusual truth: I can’t amaze myself with my work. 🤔

The creativity of others? It makes my heart skip a beat. It’s exhilarating, motivating, and sometimes a little jealousy-inducing. But my own work? It doesn’t provide the same thrill.

Why is that? Because we’re deeply connected to every stage of our work. 🧩 From the first lightbulb moment to the final touches. We experience the highs – the times when an idea fits just right, when words fall into place, when projects go according to plan.

But, we’re also there for the lows – endless revisions, self-doubt, late nights wrestling with stubborn ideas. 🌙

We see all the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of our work, the small mistakes, and all possible areas for improvement. Because of this intimate involvement, our work can’t surprise or impress us in the same way someone else’s can. 🕵️‍♀️

Many creatives share this feeling. Our work doesn’t wow us, not because it’s inferior, but because we’re so close to it. And this can sometimes make us feel a bit like impostors. 😕

So, how can we learn to appreciate our own work more? Here’s how:

1. 📊 Personal Growth Over Comparison: Instead of expecting our own creations to surprise us, which they seldom do because of our intimate involvement, let’s shift our focus. Let’s consciously value our personal evolution. Document every stage of your creative journey, from the initial idea to the final product, and take pride in the progress you’ve made.

2. 🎉 Celebrate Every Achievement: Every completed task is a victory. Be proud of each article, project, or idea you’ve brought to life.

3. 🔄 See Growth in Retrospection: Your past work shows growth, not failure. Those “I’d do it differently now” moments mark your evolution.

4. 🚶‍♀️ Everyone Has Struggles: Remember, doubts and hurdles are part of everyone’s journey, regardless of success. This shared human experience can be a comforting reminder that we’re not alone.

5. 🌟 Appreciate Your Uniqueness: Value your unique voice, style, and perspective in a world that loves to compare. Let your individuality shine through in all that you create.

We might not always wow ourselves, but we can learn to appreciate our creativity, honoring every step of the journey. Because, that’s where the real magic lies. ✨