9 Tough Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now If You Want to Improve Your Creative Life
At a Glance
Today, we’re talking about the first step to meaningful change in our creative lives—Self-awareness.
More specifically, we’ll ask ourselves hard-hitting questions to better understand who we are and who we want to become.
Let’s dive into the tough questions that will help us design the creative lives we’ve always wanted, starting exactly where we are here and now.
Do you know exactly what kind of creative life you want?
It’s a difficult question. One most don’t have the answer to.
For years, I’ve been seeking experiences and lessons about becoming a more productive, well-rounded, creative human.
Sometimes, my interest lies in uncovering new tricks to maximize my efficiency. Other times, it’s the opposite—seeking ways to be at peace with who I am and what I want from my life, professionally and personally.
In the past, I’ve seen myself go straight down the efficiency path head first without looking. Too far down that path leads me to overworking myself and ultimately burnout.
While I love what I do, I love being a well-balanced version of myself more.
But how did I know what that looked like for my life?
Simple. I started asking myself questions.
Questions that prompted more questions.
Questions that forced me to look at my daily life and overall life simultaneously.
Questions that pushed me to take action once I recognized what I wanted from my life.
If you don’t take the time to ask yourself the hard-hitting questions, the uncomfortable questions you’d rather hide from, you’ll never grow beyond where you are now.
You might even find yourself on an unsustainable path. One that leads to anxiety, regret, burnout, or worse.
Self-awareness is the first step to a better life.
It comes by asking yourself the questions that get you to the core of who you are.
9 Questions You Must Ask of Your Creative Life Today
These questions are a starting point only. Take each of them, write them out on a sheet of paper, answer them, and see where the process takes you.
→ Do you ask more questions of yourself? Follow that path.
→ Do you feel motivated to make a change? What would the next step be?
This process will feel uncomfortable at times.
Let it all in. That means you’re growing!
What are my core values and passions? - Think of this as your personal compass. Understanding what truly matters to you can guide your decisions and ensure your work aligns with your deepest convictions.
What are my strengths and weaknesses? - This isn't about judging yourself; it's about knowing where you shine and where there's room for growth. Like a skilled musician playing to their strengths while working on their weaknesses, this awareness can shape a more balanced and fulfilling career.
What triggers my stress or anxiety? - Picture yourself as a detective, identifying clues that lead to your stress. By understanding these triggers, you can develop strategies to manage or avoid them, like a gardener who knows exactly when to water their plants and when to let them bask in the sun.
How do I react to criticism or failure? - Think back to a recent time you received feedback or didn't succeed at something. Were you defensive, open, or somewhere in between? Like a writer revising their draft, understanding your reactions can help you grow and improve.
What does my ideal work-life balance look like? - Imagine painting your perfect day or week. What colors (activities) would you use? What balance between work and play would make your painting feel just right?
How do I express creativity outside of my professional work? - Consider this your creative playground. Exploring different mediums or hobbies can enhance your professional work and provide a joyful escape when needed.
What habits or routines support my well-being and creativity? - Reflect on your daily rituals. Which ones make you feel like you’re starting the day with a beautiful, blank canvas, ready to create something new?
Who do I admire in my field, and why? - Think of this as finding your guiding stars. What qualities do they have that you aspire to? How can you incorporate these traits into your own journey?
What am I afraid of in my career or personal life? - Facing our fears can be like sketching in the dark; it's challenging, but once your eyes adjust, you see everything more clearly. Understanding your fears can help you confront and overcome them.
Final Thoughts
How did you do? Did you find more insight into who you are today and who you want to be tomorrow?
Take these questions and consider what your life could look like a week, a month, a year, or even a decade from now.
Come back to them over time and ask them again. The person you are today will answer them differently in the future. That’s ok. Pursue the answers with the same conviction you have now. Learn from your answers and begin to make better decisions for your future.
This process is difficult. But it can lead to some of the most beautiful changes in your life that you couldn’t possibly imagine otherwise. Here’s to beautiful change.
TL; DR
Self-awareness is the first step to happiness
Ask yourself the tough questions to learn who you are and who you want to become
Take that information and accept it for what it is
Then use the information to take the next step toward what you want from your life
Come back to the questions periodically as a check to see if you feel the same way and to reveal new potential for your future
Quote of the Week
Motivation for the days ahead of you.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
— Albert Einstein
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
