The Little Opportunities: Embracing the "Beneath Me" Mindset

Turning Small Opportunities into Big Wins

We're diving into a topic that's bound to ruffle a few feathers but will ultimately help you level up your game. We're talking about overcoming the "beneath me" mindset. No, it's not the latest pop psychology term. It's an insidious little mental block that might be sabotaging your chances at growth and success without you even realizing it. Buckle up, buttercup; we're in for a ride.

Say "Yes" to Growth

You might be thinking, "But when do I get to say no to these tiny gigs?" Good question. First, say "yes" more often than you'd like and treat these small opportunities like they're the Met Gala of your career. Build your skills, gain some notoriety, and integrate into your new community. What makes small gigs so valuable? They’re your sandbox, where you get to make mistakes and fine-tune your skills without the glaring eyes of a million Instagram followers watching you fumble.

Consistency Over Glitz

Another critical point: Don’t be a one-hit-wonder. We’re in the era of clout-chasing, where people mistake Instagram likes and TikTok views for actual success. Show your work consistently. It's not glamorous, but it pays dividends. Be the tortoise, not the hare, my friend. Consistency kills, especially when it comes to building credibility and honing your craft.

Projects, Not Pipe Dreams

Stop dreaming and start doing. Seriously, get tangible. Begin that painting series, start that YouTube channel, launch that monthly local exhibit. Whatever it is, put yourself out there. Your first few attempts might resemble a Picasso nightmare, but guess what? Every masterpiece starts as a mess. Opportunities are more likely to show up if they see you putting in the work, not just talking about it at every cocktail party.

Paying Dues: It's a Good Thing

Remember when you were a beginner and everything felt achievable because you were learning and stumbling through the process? Guess what? It’s time to get that beginner mindset back. "Paying dues" isn’t a punishment; it’s an investment. Small projects and gigs are dues. You gain skills, knowledge, and network—all invaluable assets for the price of a little humility.

Relationships Over Resume

And speaking of networking, build relationships, not resumes. Stop worrying about how impressive your bio sounds and start contributing to your community. Attend those indie gallery openings, offer your skills, share your resources. Be genuinely helpful. Your opportunities to shine will expand exponentially when people see you’re in it for the long haul, not just a quick ego boost.

The Art of Authenticity

Alright, now for some snarky wisdom: Stop pretending. Seriously. There’s nothing more cringe-worthy than someone who’s all sizzle and no steak. Own your beginner status or your transitional phase. Be you, flaws and all. Authenticity is like a magnet; the right opportunities and people will find you because they’re attracted to the real deal, not a mirage.

Final Conference Call with Yourself

Here’s the kicker: Reflect on your attitudes towards smaller gigs and lesser-known opportunities. Are you turning your nose up at potential goldmines because they seem "beneath you"? Drop that elitist façade. You’re possibly missing out on some serious growth opportunities. Those "beneath me" gigs? They can teach you, shape you, and launch you if you let them.

Start Small, Think Big

Inspired yet? Good. Go out there and seize those little opportunities with gusto. Say "yes" more, show your work, treat small gigs like headliners, and stay authentic. Above all, keep growing and learning. Trust the process, respect your journey, and remember: every "beneath me" gig is a stepping stone to your big break.

So, what's it gonna be? Keep waiting for that perfectly aligned mega-opportunity to fall into your lap, or start turning those smaller ones into the backbone of your success? I'd go for the latter, and I'll see you on the other side of success, savvy? Now go create something!

Why Creativity Is a Form of Self-Care (And Why We Often Put It Last)

I’ve been reflecting on how many of us struggle with our relationship with creativity. We want to create. We’ve enjoyed it in the past and often say we value it as part of our lives. Yet, we struggle to prioritize it.

There are many reasons why this could be, but one stands out to me: Creativity as a form of self-care.

When we engage in creative acts, we give ourselves an outlet to express thoughts and feelings that we may not be able to articulate otherwise. Whether it’s through painting, writing, or any other creative outlet, we like the way it makes us feel—even when the result isn’t perfect. Yet, when creativity is approached as self-care, it often falls into the same trap as other self-care activities: we place it in the “should” category and shame ourselves when we don’t follow through. Our good intentions remain just that, and we never carve out the time.

The Overwhelmed Caretaker

Take, for example, the woman who juggles a career, household responsibilities, and possibly even caregiving. She knows creativity brings her joy—whether it’s journaling or crafting—but it’s always the first thing to go when time gets tight. She might say, “I’ll get to it when everything else is done,” but everything else is never done. Creativity becomes just another to-do on an already overwhelming list, and when it’s framed this way, it feels like more work rather than the act of self-care it truly is.

This isn’t just anecdotal. Research shows that women, in particular, often feel guilt when taking time for themselves, which can lead to burnout and a lack of personal fulfillment. According to the American Psychological Association, 70% of women report feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care activities like creative hobbies.

The Hustle Trap

Now let’s think about the entrepreneur or career-driven individual. This person may set aside time for creativity, but only if it serves a business goal. Their art becomes part of their "brand" or business growth strategy. Over time, the joy they once experienced from creativity may diminish as it becomes solely about achieving external results.

This happens a lot in hustle culture. A study from Harvard Business Review explains how turning a passion into work can strip the joy from those activities, leading to burnout and creative exhaustion​Sources: (Harvard Business School)​(Harvard Business School).

While it might seem productive to transform your creativity into a side hustle or a content machine, this often removes the pure joy and curiosity that creative play can bring. When we only create for external validation or monetization, creativity shifts from self-care to yet another obligation, another item on the to-do list.

Managing Your Passion for Longevity

The truth is, creativity in its purest form should be an act of self-care. It’s not about the end result but the process of engaging with your own thoughts, emotions, and imagination. However, if we never prioritize this for ourselves—whether it’s because we’re busy caring for others or because we’re trying to produce results—we miss out on the deep restorative power creativity offers.

Writer Elizabeth Gilbert talks about this in Big Magic, suggesting that creative living isn’t about productivity, but about “choosing curiosity over fear.” It’s about giving yourself permission to create for the sake of creating, rather than for an audience or an outcome. This perspective allows creativity to become a tool for self-exploration and joy, not just something that delivers results.

Putting Creativity Back into Self-Care

If you’re wired for practicality and responsibility, it’s tempting to put everything—and everyone—else first. But if you don’t make time for creativity, you might end up feeling disconnected and burned out. It’s time to reframe how we see creative acts: not as a luxury, but as a necessity for mental and emotional well-being.

What would happen if you gave yourself permission to create without the pressure of a perfect outcome? If you took even 10 minutes a day to write, doodle, or play an instrument—just for you, not for Instagram or a portfolio? Imagine how much lighter, more refreshed, and more connected to yourself you might feel.

Reclaiming creativity as a form of self-care means shifting your perspective on what it’s for. It’s not a task to be completed, and it’s not always about the result. Creativity, at its best, is a way to care for your inner world, to let your imagination play, and to express parts of yourself that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s time to stop putting your creativity last and start making it part of your self-care practice.

What have your experiences been in regards to creativity as a form of self-care?

The Secret Sauce to Confidence and Conquering Fear with Elisa Di Napoli

Small Moments Matter More Than You Think

Imagine that. Here we are, caught up in the frenzy of life, waiting for that blessed two-hour block to magically materialize so we can finally indulge our creative whims. Enter Elisa Di Napoli, the sage who flips this notion on its head. She champions the power of daily creative habits and the idea that small, consistent moments of creativity are the unsung heroes of artistic growth. “The daily grind is where the magic happens,” says Elisa. Waiting for perfect conditions? Well, you might as well wait for a unicorn to show up. Grab those tiny pockets of time—they’re gold!

Action Step: Start by sketching, writing, or noodling for just 5 minutes a day. Commit to this bite-sized ritual and watch how it removes the barrier of "I don't have enough time."

Building Your Creative Muscles

Ever wonder how professional athletes don’t just collapse into a heap after a triathlon? They build their muscles bit by bit. Elisa argues that creativity works the same way. Daily practice isn’t just a motivational poster quote—it’s essential training for your creative muscles. Skip the gym of your craft, and those muscles will go flabby real quick.

And hey, this isn't a sprint. Think of your daily creative sessions as regular dates with your muse. You’d be surprised how quickly these quickies add up, making you stronger, more imaginative, and yes, more resilient to creative blocks.

Action Step: Dedicate a specific time each day for your creative practice. The same way you wouldn't skip brushing your teeth, don't skip this. Stick to it religiously, and just like that, you've got a new habit.

Feedback: Your Best Frenemy

If feedback were a cocktail, it would be a double-edged sword with a twist of lemon. Elisa's recipe? Seek feedback sparingly and only from those you trust. She emphasizes that feedback is a tool, not a verdict. Rule number one is this: feedback should lift you, not toss you into a pit of despair. Rule number two? When in doubt, trust your gut.

But here’s the kicker—constructive feedback is your friend. It’s one thing for someone to say, “I don’t like it,” and another for them to say, “Here’s where I think it could be stronger.”

Action Step: Identify a few trusted individuals from whom you can seek feedback. Be specific about what kind of feedback you need—whether it's technical, emotional, or conceptual. And remember, not all feedback deserves a place in your brain.

Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety: Taming the Beast

Elisa openly discusses her battles with performance anxiety and stage fright, likening them to unruly house guests that just won't leave. The answer? Frequent exposure and some nifty tools like hypnotherapy. According to her, there’s a fine line between "good nerves" that energize you and "bad nerves" that paralyze you. Frequent performances and regular exposure to your feared situation can turn that scary monster into just another house mouse.

Action Step: Perform regularly in low-stakes situations. Record yourself, perform in front of friends or join a virtual open mic. The more you do it, the more normal it becomes.

Unlocking Flow: The Creative Nirvana

Ah, the elusive state of flow. It's like falling in love—hard to explain, but you know it when you feel it. Elisa emphasizes curiosity as the gateway to this mystical zone. Drop the judgment and just play. Being overly critical is a surefire way to slam the door on creativity.

Action Step: Engage in an activity that excites you and do it with a playful mindset. Drop any expectations and just dive into the joy of creating.

Intentional Spaces: Drawing the Line Between Work and Creation

Navigating between 'work mode' and 'creative mode' isn’t just a mental shift; it's a full-blown spatial transition. Elisa swears by distinct physical spaces and intentional rituals to make these transitions seamless. Different lighting, separate rooms, even specific music playlists can solidify the boundary between mundane work tasks and inspired artistic endeavors.

Action Step: Designate specific areas in your home for working and creating. Even a small change like different lighting or a particular scent can make a big difference.

The Hard Truth About Self-Worth and Creation

One of the most powerful takeaways from talking with Elisa is this: your creative output does not determine your self-worth. Putting too much self-value into a single piece can make every criticism feel like a personal attack. Create because you love it, not because you need validation from the world.

Action Step: Remind yourself regularly that your worth is not tied to your outputs. Engage in self-affirmation exercises and focus on the joy of the process, rather than the outcome.

Elisa Di Napoli’s insights serve as a treasure trove for anyone navigating the rocky terrains of creativity. So, the next time you’re waiting for that perfect two-hour block, maybe spend five minutes creating something instead. After all, in the world of creativity, consistency trumps perfection every single time.

Listen to Creative Chats episode 238 with Elisa Di Napoli.