The Raging Failure
Creatives often fail to succeed. It can be a result of poor endurance, lack of tenacity, terrible business savvy, a fear of failure or even a fear of success. But there is an ironic fault as well that I don’t think many consider – especially while enjoying a measure of it, even on their terms.
Self-esteem and the complaint.
While it is similar to the fear of failure being realized, it can actually be the creative being their own worst enemy. It is the perfectionist nature conflicting with, magnifying, and never healing from a criticism.
I don’t know a quality artist who doesn’t continue to worry – even obsess – about their craft. It is said that once you stop worrying, you’re no longer good. However thick-skinned a person must be to courageously express their form to a judgemental public, a creative must still maintain a sensitivity to produce good art. Otherwise, their heart also becomes hardened and then inspiration dies.
But in the business of creating, what do you do when you strive to do your best, even achieve an unsurpassed level of quality, and still have an issue to address?
Whether it’s a percentage of your audience or just one person, a complaint can be crippling. Still, there are several things to keep in mind to achieve a clear conscience and a renewed spirit.
1) Mean people exist. They may be having a bad day, bad year, bad life and you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time. An issue probably doesn’t exist at all. Also, this is a category where someone always has it worse than you. If you doubt that adage, ask anyone in in customer service, retail or restaurants.
2) Buyer’s remorse. If you offer a premium service and a premium price is ascribed, be prepared for someone to find fault with it. They’ll have standards established in their mind that no one can meet. This can also hold true for discounted services. While “you get what you pay for”, you often encounter “you get what you sell for” – lower price can meet lower class.
3) The green-eyed monster. Sometimes, the fault-finding is out of sheer jealousy for their own failed attempts at your career path. Their issues are not your issues. Mentally deflect that energy.
4) Confusion. Perhaps you were mis-represented to them. It may be that a misunderstanding exists or just a semantic barrier. I’ve yet to over-clarify or over-confirm details on any event. Most often, clear & concise communication brings other opportunities to the table.
Above all, recognize that what makes you a great artist also makes you vulnerable. Manage a balance between talent and your nature and you’ll persevere.
And on the odd chance that you have made a mistake, make amends quickly. Don’t shy away from addressing complaints, thoroughly and seeking satisfaction. That’s a sign of integrity and regardless of service, is respectable. You may also learn something about the way you’re perceived and how you do business. You can’t improve if you don’t know what you need improvement in!
Now forgive yourself and move on. You can’t walk on water anyway, can you?
Tags: advice, Art, business, Life, Teaching