Why does fear hold us back? 

Fear is a universal experience, rooted in our instincts. While it once helped us survive physical threats, today, it often shows up in less dangerous contexts— public speaking, creative challenges, or pitching ideas. This response, known as the "freeze" can be paralyzing. 

I know this all too well. At age 8, I attended a live show based on the UK TV game show Double Dare. The host picked children from the audience to participate in silly challenges. I spent the whole show alternating between dread that I’d be chosen and euphoric relief when someone else’s name was called. 

The fear of being publicly humiliated consumed me. Looking back, I wonder what might have happened if I’d been brave enough to get on stage. Maybe I would have fallen flat on my face, or maybe I would have discovered a knack for performance. I’ll never know because fear won that day. 

The same fear often rears its head in creative work. It’s easier to stay safe, to avoid risks, and to rely on familiar solutions. But playing it safe limits creativity. The best ideas come from stepping into the unknown.

What is Creative Resilience? 

Creative resilience is the ability to adapt, persist, and grow in the face of challenges and setbacks. It’s what helps us navigate the creative process despite fear or failure. 

Fear in creativity often stems from: 

Fear of failure: A deeply ingrained habit from years of being taught that mistakes have dire consequences. 

Uncertainty: The unpredictable reactions of peers, clients, or audiences. 

Rejection: Emotional investment in our work makes criticism feel personal. 

Creative resilience isn’t about eliminating fear but learning to move forward despite it. It’s a skill that allows us to take risks, experiment, and bounce back when things don’t go as planned.

How can you cultivate resilience? 

1. Start with the fear of failure 

Our brains are wired to overinflate threats. Every time we avoid something because of fear, we reinforce that it’s dangerous. We need a manual override.

Fear of failure often comes from the way we’ve been conditioned. Many education systems reward getting things ‘right’ and punish mistakes, leaving us with an aversion to risk. In creative work, this mindset is a barrier to innovation.

How to confront the fear of failure: 

Take micro-risks: 

Do something small that scares you every day. Share an idea in a meeting, introduce yourself to someone new, or post on social media. These “moments of playfulness” chip away at fear. 

Reflect on outcomes: 

Was the fear justified? What did you learn? Often, the experience is less catastrophic than we imagine. 

Reframe risk as curiosity: 

Instead of thinking about failure, focus on the potential to discover something new. 

Engaging in small, deliberate acts of bravery builds confidence. Over time, stepping into the unknown becomes less daunting.

2. Practice self-compassion 

Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a close friend. Self-compassion creates a safe environment for creativity to thrive. 

Creative work can be emotionally draining, especially when things don’t go as planned. The pressure to be perfect often leads to harsh self-criticism, which only stifles growth.

How to build self-compassion: 

Acknowledge emotions: When frustration or self-doubt arises, notice and name those feelings. 

Shift your perspective: Ask yourself how you’d respond if a friend were in the same situation. Would you berate them or offer encouragement? 

Celebrate progress: Creative journeys aren’t linear. Take time to acknowledge achievements, even small ones. 

By fostering self-compassion, you create a mental space where risks feel less intimidating, and mistakes become learning opportunities.

3. Learn to handle feedback 

Feedback is not a reflection of your worth. It’s an opportunity to refine and improve your work. 

Feedback is essential for creative growth, but it can be tough to hear. Emotional investment in our work makes criticism feel personal, triggering defensiveness or self-doubt.

Strategies for embracing feedback: 

Separate self-worth from work: Remind yourself that criticism is about the project, not you. 

Seek actionable insights: Ask for specific feedback to avoid vague or overly critical responses. 

Pause and reflect: Notice your initial emotional response but don’t act on it immediately. 

The more you expose yourself to constructive criticism, the easier it becomes to see feedback as a tool for improvement rather than a threat.

Why does resilience matter in creativity? 

To be creative, you need to be free to play and experiment without fear of the consequences. As John Cleese said, ‘You’re either free to play or you’re not.’ 

Playfulness is at the heart of creativity. It’s what allows us to explore, take risks, and push boundaries. Fear stifles that freedom.

Building creative resilience helps you: 

Move beyond fear to embrace experimentation. 

Recover quickly from setbacks. 

Approach challenges with curiosity and confidence

When you cultivate resilience, you unlock the ability to think boldly and deliver work that stands out.

Putting it all together 

Creative resilience isn’t built overnight. It requires practice, reflection, and a willingness to confront discomfort. But the rewards are immense: greater confidence, stronger ideas, and the freedom to explore your full creative potential. 

So, the next time fear whispers in your ear, remember, it’s just a part of the process. Take a deep breath, show yourself compassion, and step forward anyway. Each small step you take, despite fear or discomfort, strengthens your creative resilience. Embrace the unknown, experiment boldly, and trust that even failure is a valuable teacher. The process of building resilience isn’t just about surviving creative challenges—it’s about thriving in them, unlocking possibilities, and ultimately discovering what you’re truly capable of.

David Thompson, Senior Lecturer in Creative Advertising at the University of Lincoln