Why Creative Generalists & Multi-Passionate Entrepreneurs Keep Underselling Themselves (and How to Live Up to Your Worth)

If you're a creative generalist, an artist juggling multiple media or projects, or an entrepreneur with a constant flood of ideas, chances are you’ve experienced the unique frustration of continually underselling yourself. As an ambitious doer, you're passionate, capable, and striving for professional potential, yet you feel stuck, unable to translate your immense potential into the business success or artistic freedom you crave.

You feel like an impostor, as if you don't belong among the peers you admire, but feel less than around. The funny thing is, these skilled artists and entrepreneurs are the ones who seek you out, not the other way around.

This post is for the multi-passionate creative who feels inadequate or the skilled entrepreneur who wants to share their true potential with the world.

We examine the invisible walls - the mindset, limiting beliefs, and fears - that prevent you from living up to your worth, developing profitable services or products, and earning a living from them.

Part I: Why We Undersell Our Talent

Many high-achieving, creative individuals struggle with mental blocks and procrastination that stop them from achieving their goals.

We often unknowingly construct elaborate obstacles that prevent us from taking action and confidently claiming our value, all in the name of fear. Because of this, we believe we are not good enough, that we don't have what it takes, even if, unconsciously, we do feel capable and talented, deep down inside.

1. The Bully in Your Brain: The Inner Critic

From coaching creatives for over a decade, I know that underselling is often rooted in the pervasive voice of the inner critic, which specializes in making you question your capabilities and worth. This internal chatter is a burden for many creatives and entrepreneurs.

• It declares negative assessments like: “You’re a loser,” “I’m crazy,” or “You’ll never be able to accomplish anything”.

• It insists that what you want isn't real, or that you don't deserve success because you are simply "not good enough".

• It tells you that you are a "mish-mash of random half-baked talents".

• This can lead to impostor syndrome, the inability to internalize accomplishments. For some of us, this inner voice will simply tell us, "You can't do this".

My advice on this is clear: you must actively decide to take control of your life and stop bullying yourself with negative inner chatter.

There is no point in telling yourself anything that will limit you. What good does it do, really? Instead, adopt this simple but effective mantra that has helped me, and many of my clients, move out of procrastination and overwhelm and into consistent and sustainable action:

**DAILY MANTRA TO SILENCE YOUR INNER BULLY: **EVERY NEGATIVE THOUGHT IS WRONG. (Yes, it’s that simple)

2. The Perfectionism-Procrastination Loop

For many creatives, especially those who struggle with diagnoses like ADHD or those who have been conditioned since childhood, perfectionism becomes a primary tool for self-sabotage.

• This mindset calculates "perfectionist risk," which is the fear of being criticized for not executing an idea perfectly.

• You may obsessively overthink and worry about the right decision, causing anxiety and stress, and keeping you stuck for longer.

• Procrastinating and breaking promises to yourself leaves you questioning if you are even capable of achieving your dreams.

• Clients often start to think themselves out of a conversation they could have, worried they will be criticized for not executing perfectly. You might stall, feeling like you have only one shot to speak with someone important.

The truth is, even if our past experiences conditioned us to believe we couldn't do anything right, that belief is often not true and does not serve the grown-ass adults we’ve become.

3. The Generalist Paradox and Lack of Clarity

Creative generalists (or multi-passionate creatives) are prone to feeling overwhelmed, not because they lack ideas, but because they have too many.

• Many ambitious creatives and entrepreneurs come into my coaching practice because they're "stuck". They need help finding clarity on what they should be focusing their energy on.

• The desire for certainty is a flaw in thinking. We often ask for certainty in a world that is all but one thing: certain.

• Attempting to overcome ambiguity by overthinking everything only leads to stress and anxiety. When faced with multiple life or career options, we experience inner conflict, which is painful and often results in looking at the options narrowly.

The ambiguity of choosing from many ideas rarely disappears just by thinking about options. You gain clarity only when you pick something and take action.

4. The Tyranny of Inherited Dreams

We often adopt a blueprint for success that isn't truly our own, shaped by societal or cultural expectations. This is what I have called the tyranny of inherited dreams, dreams that belong to your parents or caregivers, or your friends, but don't belong to you.

Many people fall into the trap of pursuing a career or lifestyle that they believe will bring them success and happiness, only to find out later on that it does not fulfill them. They may have followed in the footsteps of their parents' or friends' dreams without questioning if those were truly their own

• You might pursue jobs that favor salary over passion or be influenced by the capitalistic world's definition of success (money, status, power).

• You may unconsciously move and live based on expectations of others or expectations you imposed on yourself, such as needing a "mega career" or to be "rich".

Finding your way back to your authentic dreams means dismantling these inherited dreams, and the way to do that is what we look at below, in Part II.

Part II: How to Finally Live Up to Your Worth

To finally align your external success with your internal worth, you need to commit to self-leadership, mindset shifts, and purposeful action.

1. Take Control: Mindset and Self-Leadership

• Practice Self-Leadership: Leadership is never given; you have to take it for yourself. This means influencing and guiding yourself. You must realize that nobody is coming to save you or make change happen for you - that is the myth of change (more on that in my book Get Unstuck!). It’s crucial to recognize that you are not your thoughts and that you can choose what you allow yourself to believe and act on.

• Redefine Success and Self-Worth: Define success in terms of sustainability, meaning, purpose, and overall well-being, rather than solely in terms of a capitalist blueprint. For creative generalists, having many interests is often a superpower. Embrace your unique wiring that allows you to make connections others can't. Give yourself permission to find things difficult, even if they seem easy for others, and feel proud of your effort.

• Believe in Possibilities: By changing what we do, we change who we are. Your fears are often just False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR). You are the leading character in your life, not the victim of your circumstances. This is YOUR story - live it fully.

2. Commit to Action and Flow

• Clarity Through Movement: Stop waiting until you feel absolutely sure of what to do next. You cannot think yourself into a new career or life. You gain clarity and learn whether an idea works only when you pick something and take action. You need a plan that is both exciting and aligned with you.

• Build Grit with Kept Promises: You lose trust in yourself every time you break a promise you make to yourself. To build self-confidence and momentum, make promises to yourself scarce, but once you make one, keep it at all costs. This cultivates grit, which separates dreamers from doers.

• Find Your "Glue" and Flow: A powerful technique is what I call finding your "glue," the unique common thread that brings all your interests and passions together. Your glue can guide you on what to focus on. Furthermore, aim to cultivate a state of flow, where you are deeply engaged, allowing you to move from overwhelm to creative energy.

Remember: there’s no perfect time to start. Every accomplishment begins with a choice to try. Trust in your potential. If you need to, fake it until you feel it.

The first step WILL feel weird, uncertain, scary, but it’s also the most empowering. Go for it - your future self will thank you.

Are You Ready to Stop Underselling Yourself?

Are you ready to reach your true creative potential and take the leap toward a brighter, more fulfilling future? Imagine what you could achieve with the right guidance and resources tailored to your unique goals. Don't hold back - this is your moment to act.

What if you had the clarity and guidance to silence the procrastination and create the fulfilling lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of? This is your chance to break free from the grind and finally craft a career that flows.

Book your free session

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is it important to overcome self-doubt for creative career success?

  Overcoming self-doubt is crucial for creative career success because it directly impacts your confidence, decision-making, and ability to take advantage of opportunities. When you allow self-doubt to rule your days and work, it creates barriers that can limit your growth and hold you back from stepping into new challenges or responsibilities. Cultivating self-belief and believing in your worth enables you to recognize your own value, advocate for yourself, and showcase your capabilities to others. Professionals who overcome self-doubt tend to approach challenges with resilience and a solutions-focused mindset, which can set them apart in competitive environments. Confidence also translates into better networking, as you're more likely to build meaningful connections and present yourself authentically when you trust your skills. Confidence empowers you to take ownership of your career and life path, make strategic moves, and create opportunities for yourself that align with both your dreams and your potential.

• What does it mean to be a creative generalist or multi-passionate entrepreneur?

  A creative generalist or multi-passionate entrepreneur is an individual who thrives on exploring many interests, pursuing varied skills, and excelling across multiple disciplines. Unlike specialists who focus on deep expertise in a single area, creative generalists draw strength from their ability to think broadly, connect ideas across fields, and approach challenges with versatility. They are often highly adaptable, possessing a unique ability to innovate by blending insights from different industries or disciplines. This multidimensional skill set makes them well-suited for roles that demand creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration. Creative generalists play a vital role in driving innovation, as they frequently offer fresh perspectives and think beyond conventional boundaries, making them invaluable assets in today’s dynamic and often high-tech professional landscape.

• Why do creative professionals often undersell their skills?

  Creative professionals often undersell their skills because measuring the value of creativity can be inherently subjective, making it hard to quantify or articulate in traditional business terms. Imposter syndrome tends to make this challenge worse, as many creatives question whether their contributions are truly impactful or compare themselves unfavorably to peers. Additionally, the tendency to focus more on perfecting their craft than on marketing themselves often leaves them at a disadvantage in highlighting their worth effectively. There’s also the issue of language - translating abstract or artistic ideas into business-driven clarity is not always intuitive. By not actively identifying or communicating the tangible benefits their work provides, creative professionals can unintentionally diminish the perception of their value. Overcoming these challenges often requires intentional efforts to develop confidence and worth, refine personal branding strategies, and connect their creative skills to measurable outcomes, such as improved customer engagement, brand development, or innovative problem-solving.

• How can I start showcasing my worth more confidently?

  To start showcasing your worth more confidently, begin by conducting a self-assessment to identify your unique skills, expertise, and accomplishments. Reflect on past projects or roles where you made a significant impact - whether it was leading a team to success, boosting a client’s satisfaction, or implementing innovative solutions that delivered measurable results.

  Next, set clear, achievable goals aligned with your career dreams. Ask yourself, "What do I want to be known for in my industry?" or "What specific outcomes do I aim to achieve?" By focusing on your strengths and the value you bring, you can tailor your messaging to resonate with potential clients, partners, or employers.

  Additionally, use platforms like LinkedIn to elevate your personal brand. Share insights, success stories, or thought leadership content that aligns with your goals and showcases your expertise. Engaging in conversations with industry leaders or joining groups within your field can further reinforce your presence and credibility.

  Above all, consistency is key. Use every opportunity, from meetings to networking events, to articulate your value with confidence. Empower yourself with these strategies, and watch as recognition and opportunities grow naturally around what you bring to the table as the amazing creative that you are.

• What are some actionable strategies to build value and recognition as a creative, artist or entrepreneur?

  To build value and recognition as a creative, artist, or entrepreneur, it’s essential to approach your career with intentionality and a focus on growth. Personal branding plays a pivotal role in this, as it allows you to establish a distinct identity that reflects your skills, values, and vision. Start by curating your online presence, making sure that your portfolio, social media, and professional profiles align with the message you want to convey. A consistent and authentic and confident narrative will help others relate to you and recognize the value you bring.

  Seeking feedback from peers and mentors is another important step. Constructive input can help you identify areas for improvement and sharpen your craft while building stronger connections with those in your industry. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage your growth and provide honest insights.

  Finally, demonstrating your expertise through tangible results is perhaps the most powerful way to build recognition. Consistently deliver high-quality work, don’t be afraid to share your success stories, and showcase how your efforts have made an impact.

• Who can benefit from the strategies outlined in this article?

  Anyone who feels stuck or undervalued in their professional life, especially creative generalists and multi-passionate entrepreneurs, can use these strategies to thrive.

  By applying these strategies and living up to their worth, creatives can find new levels of opportunity and visibility in their careers. Creative generalists, for example, can position their vast skill sets as unique value propositions, while multi-passionate entrepreneurs can channel their versatility into innovative ventures that solve important problems. The key lies in believing in yourself and deciding to show up as your full, authentic, confident self!

Navigating Entrepreneurial Growing Pains

Have you ever experienced that phenomenon where you are in a really slow season of your business, begging the Universe to provide you with more opportunities to grow, and then all of a sudden every available opportunity hits at once? You’re so excited for the chance to do business and show off your skills, so you say yes to everything, working yourself to the bone trying to hit all your deadlines on time, but then you finish and need a month or two of rest to recover.

Me too.

Since starting my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve had a hard time enjoying the fruits of all my hard work. I’d spend so much time setting up trying to drum up business without seeing any results. Then all of a sudden, the business opportunities would fly in and I’d be completely overwhelmed. I often felt like a chicken with my head cut off, running around with no sustainable strategy for how to get all this work done without burning out. 

In the years since, I’ve tried many tools to get through these busy seasons without burning out, but the ones that worked the best, that have continued to work for me, are the ones that seem counterintuitive. When I’m in my busiest season, the best thing I can do is slow down and take a breath. Even now, when I’m busier than ever, I struggle to manage my time without taking a moment to pause and reflect.

By pausing, I’m able to create a strategy for this particular busy season that allows me to thrive. Here are a few of the strategies that help me manage the growing pains, both personally and in my business:

1. Identify your vision and mission. All businesses start with a vision, whether it’s a vision of your personal future or the future of your company. When we’re in our busy seasons, we can lose focus of what it is we set out to do when we started our entrepreneurial endeavors. By setting aside time to refocus on the purpose behind our businesses or projects, and what we hope to get out of it, we’re better able to set boundaries and stave off overwhelm. 

2. Create your ideal team. When your business is growing and you’re struggling to meet demand, building a solid team around you is one of the best things you can do to alleviate stress. But great teams are not created accidentally. It takes time, patience, and a want to surround yourself with people you can effectively manage and interact with. That’s why it’s important to work on this when things aren’t busy. But if you haven’t, don’t fall into the trap of not doing it when you need it most! Once your ideal team is assembled, fervent energy manifests and stress dissipates, leaving only creative approaches to handling your growing pains.

3. Learn to delegate. Entrepreneurs and small business owners usually strike out on their own because they want to be their own boss. And when you have spent time working for yourself, doing all the tasks, and only having to hold yourself accountable, you can forget to delegate when things get busy. Look for support based on individual skills and expertise. Take advantage of it, let go of trying to do everything yourself, and the growing pains will be easier to navigate (and you’ll *finally* learn to delegate!).

4. Build strategy and SOPs early on. It’s important to have strategy and standard operating procedures in place prior to, or at least at the beginning of, the busy season to help prevent growing pains from stalling your work. I hired Alex recently, a new and amazing Chief of Staff. It's been a good year since I knew I had to find support to be able to navigate my growing business. So I’d started recording weekly marketing and communications tasks using Loom. When Alex came on board a few weeks ago, she had a (albeit small) library of SOPs to get her going. 

5. Letting go of growth and being okay with it. There’s this pressure in business that makes it seem like every idea, every project, needs to be striving for maximum growth. But what if you don’t want maximum growth? What if you’re content with where your business is and not enjoying the experience of growing pains? It’s okay to sit back and relax into the comfort of where you are right now. Also, a company can be a company of one and be very successful. There’s an amazing book by Paul Jarvis that speaks exactly to that. If staying lean and free of the burden of growth is your goal, I recommend you read it.

Life as an entrepreneur is always exciting. There’s always an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. They give you a chance to dig deep and push yourself to identify what systems are working for you, what isn’t necessary for success, and help you see what needs to evolve and what can be let go.

Overwhelmed by too many opportunities?

The five steps above sound easy to some entrepreneurs, but for most they might find it difficult to take that pause. In the past 25 years, I’ve experienced similar issues, both in my own work and in my client’s. This is why I became a certified career and business coach: I wanted my clients to navigate building and growing businesses and projects with ease and flow, and without the overwhelm.

You deserve an opportunity to see your company grow and not feel overwhelmed or stressed. In our coaching sessions, we will dive deep into how to grow your business successfully, your vision and mission for it, and how we can get you there feeling confident and fulfilled.

Schedule your free session!

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome When Thinking About Changing Careers.

"Will I be able to do this?", "I think I need to study for it first," "I don't think I have the right cv." I often hear similar questions and concerns when talking to clients about their career dreams in my coaching practice. Even though they have years of experience, a natural capacity for problem-solving, a hunger for knowledge, and no problems with learning new things, these bright, creative souls feel like they're not good enough to pursue what they truly want in their careers.

It's not uncommon. I've suffered from impostor syndrome my entire life. I still do, even though it's much better than it used to be. Perhaps you've experienced this too. Many of us feel insecure when thinking about changing careers. We doubt our abilities and are scared of failing at something that we don't know how to do yet. Some of this fear is a natural part of the process of change. Stepping into the unknown is always a little scary. It gets tricky when fear becomes a more pervasive, debilitating feeling of insecurity and lack of confidence. That's when imposter syndrome can set in. When this happens, we need to take a step back and reassess the situation because what stops us from changing careers is not a real lack of capabilities but imagined shortcomings.

What is impostor syndrome?

Impostor Syndrome is a phenomenon where we feel like impostors or frauds despite having achieved success. It's an internal experience of intellectual phoniness, an incapacity to internalize our accomplishments and all the goals we have already achieved. We second-guess ourselves, worry that people will soon find out that we're not good at what we say we are, that we're just frauds waiting to be discovered. People with impostor syndrome often attribute their successes to luck rather than skill, talent, or hard work. Impostor syndrome is more prevalent among women, but men experience it too. Recent studies show that it hits minority groups harder.

Impostor syndrome can cause feelings of fear, anxiety, and even depression if left unchecked. In my practice, I see how it stops many talented creatives and entrepreneurs from going after what they truly want. Some will go to great length in order to avoid “being found out”, like saying no to interesting opportunities or promotions. Instead of allowing themselves to explore their dreams, they stick to what's safe and familiar. Even then, they feel it's only a matter of time before they'll be found out.

Where does impostor syndrome come from?

Impostor Syndrome has much to do with the messages we grew up with and our internalized beliefs about ourselves. When we make significant changes in our lives, these negative messages can resurface as fear, doubt, and insecurity. It's possible that somewhere in our past, someone made us feel like we weren't good enough or capable of succeeding at something new.

Another reason we suffer from impostor syndrome is that we compare ourselves to others and think their success is the result of innate talent rather than the hard work they've put in. This can lead to a feeling of inadequacy, especially if we believe that others have it all figured out and don't suffer from the same stress and anxiety that we suffer from. They do, and they struggle just as much with impostor syndrome and all the feelings of self-doubt that come along with it.

There's nothing wrong with feeling scared or insecure when taking on something new, but you don't have to believe those negative thoughts that come with it. Instead, focus on the skills and experience you have and the exciting opportunities available to you. The most important thing is to recognize it for what it is: a feeling, not necessarily reality.

Another thing that I heard about impostor syndrome recently comes from Shahroo Izadi. In an interview with Steven Bartlett for The Diary of a CEO podcast, she had an exciting idea about where impostor syndrome comes from.

Shahroo is an anti-diet advocate and someone who has overcome an eating disorder and works with people suffering from addictions. People with mental illness, addiction, or an eating disorder have a lot of shame and guilt about their behavior. Because of this, it's difficult for them to acknowledge their professional accomplishments because many feel ashamed about so many other things that they won't allow themselves to internalize their capacities.

I want to extrapolate that based on what I see in my practice and the many stories from my own life and that of my clients. We all have things we're ashamed of and feel guilty about; it might be something we're doing - or thinking (and this is important) when nobody's watching, we all have secrets about who we truly think we are. And we’re absolutely terrified of people finding out!

We carry these secrets with us everywhere, and sometimes even if on a superficial level, we've achieved a lot, and everything looks great. Inside, it's hard for us to accept our successes because of these inner feelings of guilt and shame.

What's the impact of impostor syndrome on your career?

Impostor Syndrome can significantly impact your career. It can make you doubt yourself and prevent you from taking risks or trying new things. You might feel like you're not qualified for the job, that someone else could do it better than you, or that people will soon find out that you're not good at what you do.

On the other end of that spectrum, impostor syndrome can also force you to uphold the highest standards for yourself, to suffer from perfectionism, and to deliver more than is expected of you consistently. This, too, will be detrimental to your career success because it's unsustainable in the long term and because by being so perfect, you're making yourself indispensable in the position you're in. If there's one thing I know about career advancement is that you have to make yourself replaceable to be promoted, not irreplaceable.

How to beat imposter syndrome when you want to change careers?

The first step is recognizing what impostor syndrome looks like in your life. Are you an overachiever? A perfectionist with impossible standards to achieve? Ask yourself: What thoughts am I having? Are they coming from a place of self-doubt or fear? What do I need to feel confident and empowered to make this transition?

Once you have identified the root problems, start challenging those thoughts. Acknowledge your accomplishments and successes, even if they seem minor. Take inventory of your skills and experience. Think about the past jobs or projects you've completed, and list what knowledge or skills were gained from them. You may have more transferable skills than you think! Focus on what makes you unique and different from others in the field - anything from foreign language proficiency to specialized technical expertise.

Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or coach about what you're going through and get their perspective and advice. You don't need to doubt yourself alone; it's one of the reasons the impostor syndrome has so much power over us because we don't share about it enough! Be proactive and reach out for help; it could be the push you need to make the career transition.

Finally, take small steps toward your career goals. Try to do only a little at once - break it down into manageable tasks on which you can start taking action right away. Make sure you celebrate each milestone and reward yourself after completing each task. It's important to recognize and celebrate your progress; this will build your confidence and make it easier to take more risks and move forward with your career.

Start beating impostor syndrome right now.

One thing that I advise all my clients to keep is a "brag list." Since most of them suffer from impostor syndrome or feel like they're not good enough, this simple exercise isn't easy. It might be challenging for you too. On a piece of paper or a note on your computer or smartphone, make a list of all your accomplishments, big or small. Keep the list up to date by adding anything you achieve throughout your days and weeks, no matter how small.

You must list everything you've done. It could be anything from standing up for yourself, getting noticed during a meeting because you spoke up, talking about your business idea to someone, volunteering in the community, mastering a new skill or hobby, etc. Whenever impostor syndrome creeps in and doubts start to swirl around in your head, take a look at your list and remind yourself of all the success you've achieved. Celebrate these wins, and remember that you can keep achieving greatness!

Impostor Syndrome is a widespread experience. So many talented and capable people suffer from it, but it doesn't need to hold you back from changing careers or achieving your goals. You've got this! Good luck!

Tired of feeling like a fraud at work?

I understand the fear and anxiety you experience trying to figure out your career options. That’s why I offer private coaching specifically tailored to those who want to make a shift in their professional life. As a certified coach, I'm an expert in helping people beat imposter syndrome, build confidence and take control of their lives.

You deserve to pursue something that brings you satisfaction and happiness without feeling overwhelmed by self-doubt. Through this one-on-one coaching experience, gain access to tailored strategies and personalized advice that will give you the confidence needed to step into your dream job. No more second guessing yourself or comparing yourself to others!

Schedule your free session!