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Building Self-Esteem Through Creative Expression: How Creativity Fosters Confidence
19 Plays3 months ago
This is the science-backed case for why creativity isn't just a hobby - it's essential for building confidence and self-esteem. Have you ever felt better about yourself after creating something? There's actually research explaining why that happens.
Here's what we're exploring about creativity and confidence:
- The science: Children who engaged in creative activities daily had significantly higher self-esteem - and ability level didn't matter (consistency is key)
- Why creativity works: It provides safe emotional processing, judgment-free self-exploration, and that sense of accomplishment we're missing from the endless hamster wheel of life
- Real examples: From my two high school choirs to using poetry as a teenager to process emotions to Ariana Grande using music to heal from trauma
- Five practical tips: Establish regular creative practice, celebrate small wins, join creative communities, use creativity as self-care, try different mediums
- The challenge: Commit to ONE creative thing this week - write, sing, paint, knit, color, dance - and notice how you feel afterward
From realizing that high achievers never celebrate wins because goalposts keep moving, to understanding that art isn't about being "good" (it's about process and completion), this episode breaks down why creativity fosters confidence through agency, voice, and accomplishment.
Because here's what the research shows: having high but realistic self-esteem is essential to good mental health. And creative expression is one of the most effective tools for building it - whether you're naturally talented or not.
Maybe you need to process some experiences or emotions. Maybe you're stuck on that achievement hamster wheel never feeling accomplished. Whatever it is, try turning to art form this week.
Subscribe. Share. Remember that creativity isn't about perfection, it's about expression and the confidence that comes from completing something meaningful.
Small steps, big healing. Keep growing! ✨
Join the conversation! What's your creative outlet? DM me on Instagram @YourCoachMari and let's celebrate your creative practice together!
If you want to dig deeper into the science behind what I'm sharing, check out:
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to the Growing with Sol Podcast
00:00:01
Speaker
Hello, beautiful souls, and welcome back to another episode of the Growing with Sol podcast, where we explore the moments and stories that shape who we're becoming. I'm Marisol, and this is where I love to have a real conversations about growth, self-discovery, and learning to put yourself first.
Embracing the Journey
00:00:17
Speaker
Whether we're diving into books that change our perspective or unpacking personal experiences that teach us something new, this podcast is for women who are done playing small and ready to embrace their own journey.
00:00:29
Speaker
If you've battled with putting everyone else first or battled with self-doubt, you're in the right place. This isn't about perfection. This is about the messy, beautiful process of growing into yourself. So come grow up with me.
Art's Impact on Confidence
00:00:46
Speaker
Have you ever felt more confident after creating something, whether it be with your own hands, maybe it's some kind of like digital art, but did it ever make you feel more confident just better about yourself and better about life?
00:01:03
Speaker
That's what we're going to be talking about today. We're going to be talking about that connection and exploring the connection between self-esteem and creativity, whether that creativity come in the form of painting, drawing, writing, music, or any other type of art form that maybe you prefer.
00:01:22
Speaker
There is definitely a connection there, and I think that it can be a very powerful tool in building ourselves up. I know for a fact that when I do anything creative, I definitely feel so much better. I feel so much better about life.
00:01:38
Speaker
I feel so much better about myself. I You know, i it could be anything. Like, I think back to... I've been i've actually been thinking about this a lot.
Therapeutic Memories
00:01:50
Speaker
So I used to be in two choirs. When I was in high school, I was in two different choirs. I went to an all-girls school. So i was at my high school's choir. And then our brother's school had a co-ed choir. So I was in their choir as well.
00:02:03
Speaker
And I don't think that I'm the most, like, naturally gifted and talented when it comes to singing. But... I was definitely good enough, especially after a couple of years and my voice was more trained.
00:02:17
Speaker
And I enjoyed it so much. There was something so therapeutic about it, but just constantly working on a creative endeavor and like singing and being able to express yourself. um it I mean, it was, went to Catholic school, so there was a lot of Christmas music and like learning hymns for mass and stuff, but it was still enjoyable and still an outlet.
00:02:43
Speaker
And now as an adult, I definitely miss singing. And I have thought about like, maybe I need to go back. Maybe I need to pay for voice lessons just so I can have that in my life again. Because when I'm singing in the car, singing at home, I definitely feel better about life afterwards.
00:02:57
Speaker
So yeah, maybe you have something similar. In this particular episode, like I mentioned, that's pretty much what we're going to be focusing on, that connection between creativity and confidence.
Understanding Self-Esteem
00:03:06
Speaker
We're going to give some practical examples and even some actionable tips of what you can do to have more creativity, to boost your confidence and boost your self-esteem if that is the journey you are currently on.
00:03:21
Speaker
So let's go ahead and define self-esteem. As defined in Healthline by David Heights, self-esteem is the general opinion of a person or the general opinion a person has about himself or herself.
00:03:35
Speaker
Having high but realistic self-esteem is essential to good mental health. As someone who specialize in specializes in self-esteem, a coach who specializes in self-esteem and helping individuals build it, I 100% agree.
00:03:50
Speaker
I know that I've talked about it on multiple different episodes of the podcast as well, where if you have a high self-esteem, it does impact your mental health and it does impact like how you feel about yourself. It can impact even like depression. I've seen that as well, where somebody...
00:04:11
Speaker
felt so negative about themselves that it led to more depressive
Creativity and Accomplishment
00:04:18
Speaker
episodes. And as we worked on their self-esteem, they had fewer depressive episodes.
00:04:22
Speaker
So 100% agree with that statement. So what is it about creativity that... will improve someone's self-esteem. Like, so I'm going to go do some arts and crafts. Like I'm going to magically feel better about myself.
00:04:38
Speaker
you know It can, it it looks that way from the outside, but there's, there's, there's more that goes into the whole creative process. Because at the end of the day, creativity is still work.
00:04:51
Speaker
It's usually just work that we really enjoy doing. But with that work in that creative venture comes with a sense of accomplishment when you complete the project.
00:05:02
Speaker
It's also a safe space explore your emotions, maybe explore your identity, explore experiences that you've had. And it's also judgment-free zone.
00:05:17
Speaker
So there is no, when it comes to art, there's really no right or wrong way of doing or thinking. Like, yes, there are like art classes you can take and what have you. And there's like certain rules.
00:05:30
Speaker
But also when it comes to artwork, like... You learn the rules and then you learn how to break the rules to create your art and as long as you deal with like intentionality.
00:05:41
Speaker
So really there's no right or wrong thing that can go or can happen when it comes to artwork. So when you are processing maybe experiences, emotions, doing it through a creative process allows you to fully express yourself properly.
00:06:01
Speaker
with abandon, essentially. And it also allows you to begin and complete a project. And I feel like so many of us feel like we're constantly like on this hamster wheel of life, trying to achieve things on the goalpost, constantly moving.
00:06:16
Speaker
Or for a lot of us who are high achievers, like we achieve the thing and say, great, well, what's the next goal? And we don't even celebrate our win. We just move on to the next task. So being able to complete a creative project gives us that sense of accomplishment that maybe we don't get in other areas of life.
00:06:32
Speaker
But let's look at the science, okay, because there has been some research done.
Scientific Support for Creativity
00:06:36
Speaker
Unfortunately, the majority of the research that I found had to do with creativity and self-esteem in children. But I think we can make some inferences and extrapolate how it can still be very beneficial for our adults to venture in creativity to boost their self-esteem. So one of the studies that I did find... um did mention that the level of self-esteem in the early years of childhood is associated with higher self-esteem in the future. So essentially, if you have high self-esteem as a kid, chances are you're going to have high self-esteem later on in life as well. well
00:07:10
Speaker
So to date, a few preliminary studies have found self-esteem to be positively impacted or correlated with arts activities. So one study found that children who participated in arts activities most days were significantly more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem than those who participated participated less often.
00:07:30
Speaker
So now we're talking a little bit more about consistency as well. So if we are consistent with our creative endeavors, chances are that we're going to have higher self-esteem because of that. And if you are a naturally creative person and you are not spending time on your art,
00:07:46
Speaker
Ooh, I just know you're in hell. Okay. As someone who loves to write and loves to read and I don't get to write or read that often. Up here is a mess sometimes.
00:07:58
Speaker
In my mind, it's a mess sometimes and I need to get back to my art. So my life experience definitely correlates with what they're saying here. There was another analysis in that same study that addressed that the implicit as ah assumption, essentially, that the children's self-esteem might be influenced by like their level of you know ability in that creative that creative activity. So like essentially saying maybe there is a factor here that if they're good at the art, then that's really where the self-esteem is coming from. So they they wanted to look at that.
00:08:34
Speaker
And of the children who were engaged in arts activities most days, no association was found between their ability in music or arts and design and their levels of self-esteem.
00:08:46
Speaker
Of the children who read most days, there was an indication that their English language ability was positively correlated or related to their self-esteem. So if you're doing regular arts and crafts with your hands, chances are it doesn't matter for're good or bad at it.
00:09:00
Speaker
It's still going to give you or or have a positive correlation to higher self-esteem.
Self-Expression Over Skill
00:09:07
Speaker
But for those of us who are readers... if our English is not that good or whatever language maybe we're reading and it's not that good, it can impact our self-esteem.
00:09:15
Speaker
And I get that, especially as somebody who has learned other languages in life. It can be so daunting and so disheartening when you're trying to read another language and you're just like, I don't know, what is this?
00:09:27
Speaker
So I can see how that might be the case for us readers. I guess we're masochistic that way, I don't know. But as a lifelong reader, I can attest that Not only as a kid growing up did I sit down with my book.
00:09:44
Speaker
I also, this was before cell phones for children. I would sit down with my book and my dictionary. Okay. So I was reading and I was learning and we were going to get through this and we're going enjoy we're reading. Okay. We're going to know all the words.
00:09:58
Speaker
So there's that. um But ultimately, creativity is not about being good or bad at the art. It's about the process. It's about the self-expression and the exploration and ultimately the completion of the project.
00:10:15
Speaker
I think it's also important to look at like real life examples of people who have utilized art and creativity in order to overall improve and help their mental health.
00:10:28
Speaker
One, the first one that came to mind was a celebrity who had like talked about this in one of her interviews and it was Ariana Grande. And she unfortunately experienced a really horrible thing. I think in like 2016, there was a bombing at one of her concerts in Manchester in England.
00:10:42
Speaker
And she later talked about how she used music to cope with that and to heal from the trauma of that event. And obviously she has the resources to go to therapy and all that as well. But being able to utilize music and art in general, I think is so helpful for all of us and helpful clearly for her in that situation.
00:11:06
Speaker
Another example is a bit of a personal one. So throughout my teenage years, I definitely used poetry as a way to process my emotions. And I did that consistently. i I think I still have my notebook.
00:11:17
Speaker
um Very, very me, very on brand. I had a giant notebook that I don't think it was leather bound. I think it was like some type of pressed notebook. I want to say cotton or something.
00:11:31
Speaker
it was very eco-friendly and eco-friendly paper. And then I had this like giant, like rubber band type thing with like a little vampire on it that I use to like keep the book bound and closed.
00:11:44
Speaker
Very me. And that's why i put all my poetry as a teenager. And yeah, I mean, to this day, I'm finally getting back into my creativity and my writing, but it definitely helped me a lot throughout my teenage years.
00:11:58
Speaker
um So what are some types of creative expression that maybe you might be able to utilize if you're kind of wondering, what can I even do? Writing and journaling, it's definitely part of it. Singing, like I mentioned earlier. Dancing, painting, sculpture.
00:12:15
Speaker
Knitting, crocheting, I think definitely counts as a creative endeavor. And then also, for those of us who might need something that's a little bit more like low-hanging fruit, coloring. i think coloring could be really nice as well.
00:12:27
Speaker
So what are some practical ways for using creativity to build self-esteem?
Consistency in Creative Practice
00:12:32
Speaker
Tip number one, establish a regular creative practice. This goes back to that consistency I was talking about before.
00:12:39
Speaker
The children in that study, the ones who did it daily, had higher levels of self-esteem. So we need to be able to engage in our artwork on a consistent basis. So for us busy adults, set aside a dedicated time each week for creative activities.
00:12:57
Speaker
I decided that for myself, ah Saturdays are going to be my creative writing day. Not every Saturday has been a creative writing day. Unfortunately, life does happen. But I do like to choose one day where I know I will get some creative writing done. It's usually Saturday, sometimes Sunday.
00:13:14
Speaker
Tip number two, celebrate the small wins. You know I'm all about this one. So acknowledge every creative effort, no matter how small. It might even help to keep like a wins journal so you keep track of everything or maybe a portfolio of your work.
00:13:28
Speaker
But when you accomplish something, when you finish a project or whatever, that is a huge win and definitely celebrate it and keep track of it. The third tip can definitely be join a creative community.
00:13:39
Speaker
Not only would this be beneficial in allowing you to go through the creative process, but so many of us are wanting community nowadays and really struggling to find it.
00:13:49
Speaker
So if you have a type of art that you really enjoy engaging in, And find a group that engages in the same type of artwork. You can even do like supportive groups, you can do classes, maybe online communities where you can like share what you're creating. And being able to share your work in safe spaces and then like also receive encouragement is very helpful as well.
Creativity During Tough Times
00:14:14
Speaker
So kind of the crux of all of this as well is making sure to use your creativity as self-care. So turn to your creative aspect, your creative art during difficult times. Even if it's not maybe your designated day and you're just really stressed, go to your artwork and let it be a tool for processing your emotions and and building that inner strength.
00:14:37
Speaker
Tip number five as well to keep things fresh, especially for the type of person who might get bored easily, is try different mediums. Don't limit yourself to just one type of art. Experiment with other types of art. Maybe you want to try writing or music or crafts or cooking or something.
00:14:53
Speaker
And give it a shot. Maybe you take a different class. If you are maybe painting, maybe take a sculpture class. There's wheel-throwing classes all the time. Like maybe do one of those. You know, discovering what resonates with you is also part of the confidence building process and journey.
00:15:08
Speaker
Maybe you start off as a writer, but you end up trying a painting class, maybe a paint and sip or something, and you really enjoy it. So that is also a huge part of the process of creating confidence and self-esteem through also self-discovery.
00:15:23
Speaker
All in all, creativity fosters confidence and builds self-esteem by giving us agency, giving us voice, as well as a sense of accomplishment. So as a reminder to all of you who have stuck around this long into the episode, if you have been struggling with low self-esteem and some low confidence lately, maybe there are some experiences, some emotions that you need to process, and perhaps the best way for you to do it will be through some type of art form.
00:15:50
Speaker
Maybe you want to take a class. Maybe you want to sit with your thoughts and ah pen and paper. Like I usually like to, I'm old school that way. um or maybe you just want to type it out or maybe some singing or whatever it might be.
00:16:05
Speaker
Try it
Invitation to Connect
00:16:06
Speaker
out. See how you're able to then feel afterwards. If it helps you process anything, if you feel lighter, um if you feel better about yourself and about life. I would say for the coming week, commit yourself to one creative thing.
00:16:21
Speaker
You decide which day, if it's a class, book that class um and just put it on your calendar. Schedule it out so you can do some creativity for sure within the next week.
00:16:35
Speaker
If you made it this far, I definitely appreciate you. Thank you for tuning into the Growing With Filled podcast. If this episode resonated with you, definitely give it a like. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating. It definitely helps and it helps get the podcast out to more people who need to hear it Again, if you also are looking to have support in this journey, if you are looking to build your self-esteem and you kind of feel like you're just flailing about, not really making any kind of progress, I am accepting clients. You can schedule your very own discovery call with me through the show notes. Until next time, keep growing.