Can Stoicism Transform Your Creative Journey?
As a creative professional, I often found myself riding the emotional roller coaster that came with the territory—thrilled by breakthroughs one moment and frustrated by creative blocks the next. In those highs and lows, I discovered an unlikely ally in the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. Far from being a call to suppress emotion, Stoicism provided me with a framework to navigate the unpredictable waters of creative work with greater clarity and resilience over the years.
Embracing Challenges as Catalysts
Early in my career, I used to view creative blocks and criticism as obstacles to be feared. A blank page could fill me with dread, and negative feedback would regularly feel like a personal attack. Then I came across Marcus Aurelius’ idea that “the obstacle is the way.” This concept completely shifted my perspective. I began to see these challenges not as roadblocks but as essential parts of the creative process. Like resistance training for the mind, these obstacles had often pushed me to find innovative solutions and dig deeper into my creativity. It’s no exaggeration that some of my best work came from the most difficult moments.
Focusing on the Process, Not the Praise
Another transformative Stoic principle I adopted was the importance of focusing on effort rather than outcomes. In the early days, I would fixate on how my work would be received—whether it would receive praise, win awards, or resonate with an audience. That obsession results in being paralysing. Stoicism taught me to shift my focus back to the creation process itself.
In the final years of my professional career, when I sat down to work, my primary goal was to immerse myself fully in creating without worrying about what would come of it. This mindset allowed me to experiment more freely, take risks, and, ironically, produce work that often received more recognition than when I was fixated on the outcome.
Controlling What I Can, Letting Go of the Rest
In the world of creativity, so much is beyond our control—trends, client demands, and the subjective tastes of others. I struggled with this reality early on, often frustrated when things didn’t go my way. Stoicism’s emphasis on controlling the controllable was a game-changer for me. I learnt to focus my energy on what I could control: my effort, craft, and attitude. By letting go of the rest, I found a sense of peace that allowed me to create from a place of authenticity. That clarity reduced stress and led to work that felt truer to my vision. I can honestly say, my best work was created in the final five years of my career.
Finding Perspective and Gratitude
There had been times in my creative journey when I felt overwhelmed—by deadlines, by criticism, or by the sheer scale of a project. During those moments, the Stoic practice of “negative visualisation” was my lifeline. By reminding myself of the fragile nature of life and the relative smallness of my problems, I was able to regain perspective. This practice helped me stay grounded, even when things got tough. It also cultivated a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to do creative work, no matter the challenges that came with it.
Stoicism as My Creative Compass
Incorporating Stoic principles into my creative process never dulled my passion or stifled my emotions. Instead, it provided me with tools to navigate the emotional ups and downs of creativity more effectively. By embracing challenges, focusing on the process, controlling what I could, and maintaining perspective, I found a deeper sense of fulfilment and resilience in my work. Even today, now that I am retired, Stoicism is still a guiding light in my creative endeavours, helping my creative spark not only endure but thrive.
If you’re a creative navigating similar challenges, I encourage you to explore Stoicism—it might just be the compass you didn’t know you needed.
