What to Do When You Love Creating but Don’t Feel “Good Enough”
There’s a specific ache that comes with loving something deeply—creating, making, expressing yourself—and yet constantly wondering if you’re actually “good enough” to do it.
It doesn’t always present itself loudly. Oftentimes, it’s more subtle than that:
You start a project, then pause halfway through, suddenly unsure if it’s worth finishing.
You scroll past someone else’s work online and feel your chest tighten.
You delay sharing something you made because the voice in your head whispers, Who do you think you are?
If that sounds familiar, I want to say something clearly: You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. The feeling of not being “good enough” is one nearly every creative person wrestles with. It doesn’t mean you’re not talented, capable, or worthy. It usually means you care.
But still, what do you do with that feeling?
1. Name it. Don’t let it live in the shadows.
Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, perfectionism—whatever form it takes, call it out. When you name that voice, you separate yourself from it. You can say: “I’m feeling not-good-enough right now. But that doesn’t mean it’s true.”
2. Reconnect with your “why.”
You started creating for a reason. Maybe it brought you peace, clarity, joy, or escape. When “performance” or “polish” gets in the way, return to that original spark. Make something no one will ever see. Let it be messy. Let it be yours.
3. Stop waiting to feel “ready.”
Confidence doesn’t always show up first. Action does. You grow into your skill by using it—not by waiting until you feel perfectly equipped. Most of us are just figuring it out as we go.
4. Rewrite the definition of “good.”
What if “good” doesn’t mean flawless? What if it means honest? Brave? True to your voice? We lose so much of our creativity when we chase someone else’s version of excellence. Create how you create. That’s the good stuff.
5. Surround yourself with the right reminders.
Curate your space—physical or digital—with words, art, or people who remind you why this matters. Save the compliments you’ve gotten. Print a quote that grounds you. Follow creators who uplift rather than intimidate.
6. Let your work be what it is—for now.
Not every project has to be your masterpiece. Not every season has to be your most inspired. The more you allow your creative work to be in progress, the more room it has to grow.
A final reminder:
You don’t have to be extraordinary to make something meaningful. You just have to be real, present, and willing to try—even when that voice of doubt is loud. Because you love this, and that love alone is enough to keep going.
