Listen to Ego vs Art: How to Create Without Letting Ego Get in the Way:
Ever had a great idea—and then talked yourself out of it five minutes later
You tell yourself:
“It’s probably not that original.”
“Someone else has already done it better.”
“What if no one likes it?”
That’s not your intuition talking. That’s your ego.
And if you’re not careful, it will hijack your creative process and stall your growth.
In this post, we’re diving into what ego in creativity really looks like—and how to create without letting ego get in the way.
🧠 What Is Ego (for Artists)?
When people hear “ego,” they often think arrogance. But for artists, ego is something different.
Your ego is your inner identity manager. It’s constantly trying to protect you from rejection, judgment, and failure.
Its job is to keep you safe. But in art? It often keeps you stuck.
Ego says:
“Make something great—or don’t make it at all.”
“You need to prove yourself.”
“You’re not as good as they are.”
Your ego is loud.
But your art is still there—whispering.
🎭 Real Story: When Ego Blocks Your Joy
Let me introduce you to Veronica, a dancer and choreographer who used to thrive in creative flow.
Improvisation used to be her favorite part of the process—until ego stepped in.
She started overthinking every movement. Critiquing herself mid-step.
She told me, “Even when I’m dancing alone, it feels like someone’s watching. Like I have to perform, even in private.”
What she was really saying was:
“I can’t feel joy because I’m too busy trying to be impressive.”
That’s what ego does.
It turns your art into performance and your process into pressure.
✨ What Happens When Ego Runs the Show?
Here’s how ego gets in the way of artistic growth:
1. It makes creativity conditional
If your work needs to be “amazing” before it’s allowed to exist, you’ll never finish anything.
2. It fuels comparison and self-doubt
You stop listening to your own voice and start obsessing over everyone else’s.
3. It ties your worth to external reactions
No likes? No applause? Ego says you’ve failed—even if the work was honest and brave.
🔧 How to Create Without Letting Ego Get in the Way
Ready to get your creative power back? Here are 4 things I walk artists through in coaching:
1. Make it for you first
Before you imagine an audience, come back to curiosity. What excites you? What feels real?
2. Share before you feel “ready”
Ego waits for perfect. Art wants to be felt. Share the thing—even if it’s 80% there.
3. Detach from the outcome
Not every post, project, or performance has to go viral or lead to your big break. Let it be part of the process.
4. Name the ego voice—and choose differently
Next time you hear that inner critic spiraling, say, “That’s my ego.” Then make the thing anyway.
🌱 Creative Spark: Your Weekly Artist Challenge
This week, I want you to try this:
Create something you don’t share.
Make something just for you. Messy. Honest. Unfiltered. Let it be terrible. Let it be yours.
Why?
Because when you create without the pressure to perform, you remember why you started in the first place.
Want to tell me how it goes? DM me or tag me—I’d love to hear what freedom felt like.
Go Deeper with Audacious Artistry
If this episode spoke to something in you, my book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World goes deeper.
It’s written for artists and creatives who still feel called to create but are tired of proving, comparing, waiting for permission, or wondering if their work still matters.
You can also download the free 10-week Audacious Artistry Group Study Guide and walk through the book on your own, with a friend, or with a group of artists.
Read the book + get the free guide:
https://larabiancapilcher.com/book
Connect with Lara
Website:
https://larabiancapilcher.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/larabiancapilcher
🎧 Want more insights? Listen to the full podcast episode here:
With you on the journey, friend.
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!