You Are Your Worst Critic

If you’ve been following me since the beginning, you may have noticed quite a number of design changes to the site. The biggest reason? Because I designed it (and re-designed it) myself… and I am my worst critic. As we all are. 

Looking at other people’s art, its easy to quickly see past the imperfections and fall in love with it, especially if it touches our soul. But when it comes to our own work, those imperfections stick out like a sore thumb. Your inner critic kicks in, and tells you its not nearly as good as your idol’s work. “It can be so much better.” or “No one will like that!” 

This never ending inner critic is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in a way so that we can always continue to grow and better ourselves and our work. It helps us strive to get to the next level. But also a curse in a way that we will never feel satisfied with what we have made and never truly be happy with our work; even if it has been received well by others already. 

I came across an amazing photo on Pinterest the other day of an art journal page. I visited her website and instantly fell in love with her work. I admired her… and yet after reading through some of her blog posts, I felt saddened, because she apparently has no idea how talented she is, referring to her work as amateurish. It just goes to show, it doesn’t matter how impressive your art is, your critic will always be there pointing out the worst of it.   

Your inner critic will analyze and critique your work more harshly than anyone else ever would. But in reality, most people will never even notice those mistakes that you are fretting over. So next time you are creating something, remember that what you hear from yourself is most likely the worst of what you would hear. Use it to better yourself, but not to predict what others will think.

Do you find that you are harsh on critiquing yourself?