Dear creative, please don’t explain yourself to the world. It’s not necessary. Just do you.

One thing that changed my perspective on life radically was the Personal Bill of Rights. This is a therapeutic tool in assertiveness training, and it outlines basic rights that we all have: the right to our own thoughts, feelings, and decisions.

As I’ve integrated it into my day-to-day, I’ve come to realize that these same principles apply to the world of creativity in any discipline. I’m particularly resonating with #15:

“I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behaviour.”

The image of the misunderstood creator comes to mind. Conceiving an idea is a personal process. It requires quietness, privacy, and interest in a wide range of topics. People witnessing it can sometimes question why creatives do what they do. Why they’re fascinated by the simplest of things.

In the worst case scenario, that witnessing turns into criticism. Even shaming.

I have painful memories of people frowning at me for wanting to be a writer. “You won’t make enough money.” “How about a real job?” “Your brain is meant for something greater.”

I wish someone would have said: “You don’t have to explain yourself. You do you.” Creative calls require no explanation or justification. Sometimes, it’s challenging to “make sense” of it.

Franz Kafka, legendary author, says it more eloquently in this timeless quote:

Creativity is abstract. It doesn’t always manifest in specific words or linear thinking. It’s not always logical. It’s more of an inner knowing. It’s something that needs to come out to the surface. It’s not rational. It just needs to exist. And YOU are the channel through which it comes alive.

Your focus needs to be inward; on the execution and not on the justifying to others. Not on the need to be understood.

You have your own unique ways of channeling whatever that inner world is saying to you. Only you know what you need to fully shape or reshape the idea you’re receiving. Silence. Music. Books. TED Talks. “Weird” interests. It’s your call.

Whatever that looks like in the eyes of someone else, that’s none of your business. Let them live with their own thoughts. You do you. You don’t have to explain yourself.

Have you ever felt the need to justify your creative calling? What helped you reclaim your creative autonomy?