The Story We Tell Ourselves: How Mindset Shapes What We Create

Have you ever started something with a spark of excitement, only to find yourself shrinking halfway through? You begin to second-guess every move, edit before you even finish, or talk yourself out of sharing it altogether. Been there. Still visit sometimes.

What I've come to realize—and what I’m still practicing—is this:
What we believe about ourselves changes everything.
Not just how we think, but how we move. How we speak. How we create. How we take up space—or don’t.

Mindset isn't just some buzzy self-help term. It’s the undercurrent of how we show up in the world.
And whether we're aware of it or not, our thoughts are shaping our output, our energy, and our experience, moment by moment.

Beliefs are creative tools (or roadblocks)

Every time we sit down to make something—whether that’s a painting, a business, a boundary, or a new version of ourselves—we’re bringing our inner world with us. And that inner world? It’s made up of stories.

Stories like:

• “I’m not ready yet.”

• “No one cares what I have to say.”

• “I always give up.”

• “I don’t have the personality for that.”

• “I’m too much / not enough / too weird / not talented.”

These stories don’t just sit quietly in the background. They drive. They take the wheel when you're about to try something new or share something meaningful. And they often lead you back to the same safe, small patterns.

Here’s the truth: What you create is deeply connected to what you believe.

You might have the skill, the idea, the passion—but if your mindset is stuck in fear, self-doubt, or scarcity, it’ll feel like trying to run with bricks in your shoes.

Mindset isn’t about being “positive” all the time

This isn’t about pretending everything is sunshine and good vibes when it’s not. Growth mindset isn’t fake optimism—it’s a deep trust that we’re allowed to evolve. That we can grow, change, and try again. It’s the belief that what’s true today doesn’t have to be true forever.

And when that shifts—even slightly—you start to show up differently.

You might take that creative risk you’ve been putting off.
You might finally say what you mean instead of shrinking it down.
You might let something be messy instead of perfect.
You might even give yourself the freedom to enjoy the process, not just chase results.

How we see ourselves sets the tone

Think about the difference between these two creators:

• One believes they’re an impostor who’s winging it, hoping no one finds out they’re a fraud.

• The other believes they’re someone worth listening to—even if they’re still figuring it out.

Same skillset. Same tools. Different mindset = wildly different energy.
And that energy? It’s contagious. It’s what people feel when they experience your work. It's what makes someone pause and say, “Something about this just feels right.”

You don’t need perfect confidence. But you do need permission.
Permission to be in progress.
Permission to take up space even while you’re learning.
Permission to believe something new about yourself.

So, how do you shift it?

Start here:
Get curious about the thoughts that come up when you’re about to create, share, or stretch.
Write them down. Notice the tone. Ask:

• Is this voice helping me expand, or is it trying to protect me by keeping me small?

• Where did this belief even come from? Do I want to keep it?

Then—this is key—practice new beliefs.

You don’t have to go from “I’m trash” to “I’m a creative genius” overnight. But what if you softened the thought just a little?

Try something like:

• “I’m learning how to trust myself.”

• “My ideas matter, even when they’re imperfect.”

• “There’s room for me here.”

• “I get to try.”

Every time you remind yourself of these truths, you’re rewiring your relationship with creativity. With visibility. With yourself.

Your creativity rises to the level of your self-belief

Ultimately, the work you do will reflect the version of yourself you believe in.

So if you want your creativity to feel freer, bolder, more resonant, start with what’s happening in your mind. Show yourself compassion, curiosity, and courage. Treat your thoughts like collaborators, not dictators.

The most powerful shifts start quietly. One small new belief. One moment of brave honesty. One deep breath before choosing to show up anyway.

And little by little, that’s how you change the way you create.
That’s how you change the way you live.