Don’t we all experience anxiety in our lives?
Here is what I’ve come to know as anxiety : Being afraid of a future scenario or outcome that hasn’t happened yet.
Mike Ovitz writes in his memoir Who Is Michael Ovitz?, “Yet there wasn’t a day when I didn’t walk in the door and get hit by a rush of anxiety.” (page 98)
Wow, ok, what must that be like?!
Being a professional designer thoughts of “what will others think and say” dangles in front of us like an dual-magnetic carrot. Sometimes pulling us, leading us forward in a positive way. Those are some of most exhilarating creative sessions.
Other times is it pulls us with an influence of doubt, fear, and worst, questioning ourselves and our abilities. Those are some of the darkest creative times.
Sometimes this can even grow into the work we do or the way we do it, questioning ourselves (imposture syndrome). Letting these feelings wash over you is difficult but necessary to progress.
There may not be a natural way to override these feelings. But understanding these feelings may be a sign or sensation that we’re onto something, that ‘s both the challenge and opportunity. Understanding we’re onto something new, challenging, difficult or untested. The edge of a boundary. The point at which we’re doing something that matters. Something that makes an impact.