I tend to suffer from feelings of inadequacy.
I usually think everyone will hate my work. I try to go way above and beyond the call of duty, to prove I am worthy. At times, this has been detrimental to my business. It is mainly due to a little something I like to call the Obsessive Critic.
For example, recently I was in the middle of creating a logo for someone who was historically very quick to respond during the process. I sent her a 5th proof by email and was nervous that she would not like it. A full 2 days went by with no communication from her. And what was the Obsessive Critic doing?
Yes, you know it – freaking out.
Instead of just thinking “Hey, she got busy” – the Obsessive Critic began thinking “Oooh, she hates it and is figuring out a way to tell me” or worse, “She never received it and thinks I blew her off”. This was completely destructive. I worried. I obsessed.
I was way less productive.
Finally, I picked up the phone and called her. I asked her how she was feeling about the progress and told her that I was little uneasy about not hearing from her. Of course, she was thrilled with the progress, all was well and – she’d been busy.
Obsessive Critic silenced. Ahhh.
Lesson? There are a few:
- Don’t unnecessarily freak out. In fact, try not to freak out at all. It never helps any situation – business or personal.
- If you’re not getting email responses and you are uneasy about something, pick up the phone – asap. It will set your mind at ease.
- If it can’t be solved with a phone call, do whatever you can to deal with the problem the Obsessive Critic is hounding you about.
- If it something you absolutely have to sit with, do your best to tell the Obsessive Critic that you will do ______ at ______ time.
- And, finally, deal with your self-doubt in your off time. Notice when you’re feeling it and tell it you will address it later, but now is time to work. So go back to that to-do list. But, I wouldn’t recommend making a pitch. :)!
Photo: My son, Hoyt, saying poo poo to my Obsessive Critic
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