Understanding The Gap as a Creator
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I will receive a commission from the sale.
Ever look around and feel like everyone else’s content is better than yours? Or wonder how they come up with such AMAZING ideas while your content “falls flat?”
This is called THE GAP.
You are aware of what good content is but are still mastering the art of creating it in a way that resonates AND satisfies you as a creator.
In my opinion, being aware of the gap is what makes you a true artist.
Ira Glass said it best.
“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not.
― Ira Glass
But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you.
A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit.
Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work.
Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met.
It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”
Despite our awareness of quality, we find ourselves on an ongoing journey of mastering the art of content creation, a struggle that often leaves us hoping for more.
Here’s what to do when you find yourself in The Gap.
Keep learning
Now that you are aware of the gap between good taste and creative work that satisfies you, keep learning.
Recognizing what defines good content is the first step, but grasping the gap between this understanding and successful execution is where the challenge lies. It’s the acknowledgment that, as creators, we are still navigating the space between aspiration and achievement.
As creators, we should never stop learning! Find classes, courses, or trainings to take. Find books to read. Do everything you can to increase your knowledge and expertise.
Observe what others in your niche are doing and take notes. This journey involves not only creating but also learning from the experiences and expertise of others, studying successful content creators, and learning valuable lessons from their unique paths.
Keep honing your skills
As you continue learning, put what you learn into practice and keep honing your skills.
Practice, practice, produce! The key to success in any skill is to repeatedly work at it. As we continue to work at it our skills grow.
Self-doubt and comparison are common hurdles in the creative process. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to recognize them as part of the journey and implement strategies to navigate through.
Finding inspiration without falling into the trap of imitation is key—striking a balance between admiration and originality while incorporating external influences into your distinct creative style.
Keep fighting
If this is your dream and passion, keep fighting! Never give up. Believe that you will get there.
Closing the gap requires setting realistic goals and breaking down the journey of improvement into manageable steps. Celebrating small victories along the way serves as motivation, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Embracing continuous improvement (no matter how small), learning from mistakes, and being open to constructive feedback are instrumental in bridging the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be.
Recognize that the journey matters as much as the destination. Satisfaction in the creative process is the hallmark of a true artist, acknowledging growth and progress rather than fixating on perceived shortcomings. Embracing the gap becomes a badge of honor, symbolizing resilience and commitment in the face of creative challenges.
Here’s a list of books to read to keep inspired:
- The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be – by Joanna Gaines
- The Pivot Year – Brianna Wiest
- The Creative Business Handbook: Follow Your Passions and Be Your Own Boss – Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova
- Mastery – by Robert Greene
As we wrap up our exploration of “The Gap,” let’s reflect on the key points discussed. Recognize that every creator faces this chasm between aspiration and achievement. Find encouragement in the fact that the journey itself is a significant part of being a true artist. Embrace the gap, continue creating, and share your unique voice with the world. Remember, it’s not about eliminating the gap entirely, but about turning it into a source of inspiration and motivation for your ongoing creative journey.
xoxo Naomi
