A key characteristic of Artistic types — writers, painters, sculptors, and the like — is the ‘need’ to work independently.
And, that’s great and critical because inspiration, ideas, and ‘the work’ comes from inside. You need to be alone and you need to be free, as Abe Maslow said, "of the good opinions of others".
But, sometimes those of us who fit The Artist archetype can be too Independent.
Fiercely independent.
Stubbornly independent.
Stupidly independent.
I should know. I love to problem solve. The problem with that is I sometimes get so fixated on fixing a problem myself that: a) it takes for ever to fix, b) it costs me way too much time to fix, and c) it sometimes never gets fixed and I waste time and energy ‘working around’ the problem.
What about you?
Are there areas in life where you stubbornly refuse help?
Do you keep butting your head up against the same barrier? Somehow taking pride in your ability to do it yourself. But, never quite doing it.
Maybe like me your parents taught you (either directly or by example) that there was risk in asking for help. Or, maybe you found that when you asked for help you got ridiculed. Or, maybe worse: you got taken advantage of or, even worse, abused.
I’ve learned that most people are more than glad to help. And, of these, the vast majority won’t belittle you, berate you, or take advantage of you when you come to them for help.
So, got a barrier?
Ask for help.
Next post: Where to look for help.
