Embracing Uncertainty: The Creative Journey from Comfort Zones to Vulnerability

"Take that Jump out of your comfort zone , Take that risk" - Animation/Motion Visual by Eric Agyemang

From the moment we enter this world, we’re bombarded with the idea that we should crave certainty. We’re hardwired to plan, set goals, and stick to the rules, doing what’s expected of us. But if there’s one lesson life has taught me (especially a creative life) is that nothing truly amazing happens when we stay in our comfort zones.

The Comfort Zone and the Fear of the Unknown

The comfort zone speaks for itself: it’s a place where we feel safe, predictable, and in control. But as creatives, we’re constantly called to step outside that bubble and venture into the unknown. This can be terrifying, of course. What if people don’t resonate with what we create? What if we fail? What if it’s all for nothing?

Being OK with the unknown is part of the creative process. It’s about embracing uncertainty, messiness, and the possibility that things might not go as planned. Trust me, it’s OK. These moments of discomfort and doubt are often where the most genuine and innovative work comes to life.

From Childhood Curiosity to Adulthood Responsibility

Think back to childhood, when everything was new, unknown, and the world was your canvas. In those days, the unknown wasn’t something to be feared. We embraced it with curiosity, playing without a care for how things "should" be done. But as we grow into adulthood, societal pressures creep in. We’re made to take things seriously, pushed into choosing a set career path, and forced to live up to expectations. This shift can be suffocating… actually, IT IS SUFFOCATING, especially for creatives.

The world doesn’t make space for play, and creativity is often seen as impractical or not taken seriously. Society punishes creatives by forcing them into boxes that limit their expression, stifling the very essence of what makes their work unique.

(Just a personal side note): Working at a creative agency might sound like a dream where everyone’s free to unleash their creativity, but let’s be real it’s more like running a creativity obstacle course with hurdles named ‘Client/stakeholder Demands’ and ‘Brand Guidelines.’ Sometimes, instead of breaking boundaries, we’re just tiptoeing around them, trying not to step on any corporate toes. And yeah, not all agencies or creative companies are like this, so don’t come for me! 😂

Societal Pressures and the Creative Struggle

Society places immense pressure on us to follow a set path. The constant hustle for approval, likes, and validation from others can be exhausting. But creativity isn’t about pleasing the masses; it’s about finding your own voice, your own identity, and sharing it with the world, even though not everyone may get it.

Being a creative means being vulnerable. When you put your work out there, you're essentially baring a part of your soul. You won’t always get an applause. You may even face criticism or disappointment and that’s OK. As the lovely and talented Evelyn Duah (an actress, teacher, and all-around great person) would say, “It’s OK to be disappointed and upset. Soak it in and take the lessons from it.”

If you’re a creative struggling with doubt or fear of the unknown, remember this: It’s OK not to have all the answers. It’s OK to feel vulnerable. And it’s OK to be disappointed!