thecreativeverse creativity is our human superpower.
What started as a Behind the Mic side note revealed itself to be something much bigger – a foundational episode we call Episode 0. Here are some of the lessons I learned and deeper insights I gained creating Ep0 episode – out now!
Building Unshakeable Self-Worth Series Podcast Episodes:
Ep0: The Foundation (or Foundations)
Ep1: Excavating Your Inner Gold
Don’t Be Afraid to Question What You Know
It is not enough to do what is required of you; you must also question the morality of what is required. ~ Immanuel Kant, philosopher
In the first episode of this series, I was deeply challenged by this question: how could I feel accomplished and successful in my career, yet, as I retired after 21 years of military service, feel suddenly empty – as if I had no worth or value to provide anymore? That profoundly existential moment sent me on a journey into myself, launching this series. It also became one of the most important aspects we introduced in this foundational episode 0 which uses the practice of questioning what we think we know, to gain deeper understanding.
And this is a crucial practice to employ for all of us. Too often, society conditions us to accept information at face value – what we read, what we hear, what we learn – without pausing to examine it critically. But in a world full of constant change and information overload, one of the most vital skills we can cultivate is the courage to examine our thinking. That means not being afraid to challenge inherited definitions, the systems we operate within, the scripts we’ve been handed, and the standards we were raised to accept. Questioning isn’t just about awareness – it’s how we sharpen critical thinking and stay grounded during times of major upheaval, especially as outdated models and structures begin to falter around us.
Throughout this series and beyond, we’ll practice questioning assumptions, beliefs, and definitions we’ve carried. This is key to the Building Unshakeable Self-Worth series because we will be deconstructing much of what we’ve been taught and we’ll be digging into what we truly know versus what we’ve simply accepted. This practice is vital in transforming our sense of self-worth into one that is resilient and anchored in who we are rather than what society says we should be.
The question isn’t whether to question – it’s: are you ready for what you might discover when you do? I think you are – and that’s why we’re here!
The Shift: Surrendering to the Creative Process
Creativity is intelligence having fun. ~ Albert Einstein, physicist
Speaking of deconstructing what you’ve been taught, one of the most fascinating (and frustrating) lessons I’ve discovered so far while creating this series and especially this episode, is the contrast between the creative process I’m exploring now and the analytical process I mastered over 21 years in the military.
In the military, work revolved around strict timelines, efficiency, clarity, and precision. Logic and analysis dominated. There was little to no room for inspiration, experimentation, or detours – rightly so, given the stakes. Precision and absolute accuracy left almost no space for trial and error and there was rarely any space to experiment freely (though I found a few pockets here and there).
Contrast that with the creative process, and you get something entirely different. Creating from scratch is messy, nonlinear, and unpredictable – inspired by trial and error. Ideas need time to breathe and percolate. Forms and structures shift again and again as inspiration guides the process. It’s less about efficiency or deadlines or even perfection, and more about expression – the joy and excitement of asking, “What if?”
At first, this drove me crazy. I was used to strict schedules and clear requirements, yet I found myself constantly adjusting deadlines and structures as new ideas emerged. Frustrating – at first! I felt embarrassed, even stuck in what seemed like an endless loop of iterative creativity. But then I realized I was approaching this process all wrong. And I remembered: I’m no longer operating purely from an analytical mindset. I didn’t need perfection and precision in every project and at every turn. I can now relax into the joy of the creative process. Now that I was transitioning from military life to civilian life – and from analysis to creativity – I needed to learn to surrender.
This new process can’t be rushed – it requires space to breathe, time to stretch, and permission to flow (and change) as needed. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about creation and expression for its own sake. And that’s the lesson I keep returning to: loosen up, have fun, it’s safe to play! Creativity is meant to be fun – trust the process and enjoy the journey!
Reflection: Questions to Explore
If any of these ideas resonated, here are some questions I compiled inspired by common practices and other questions I’ve seen. Maybe they can help us get our creative abilities flowing again:
Where in my life am I operating purely from logic, efficiency, or obligation, and where might I allow more room for creativity, curiosity, or experimentation?
Are there beliefs, assumptions, or “rules” I’ve accepted without questioning that might be limiting my growth or sense of self-worth?
How do I react when plans shift, ideas change, or outcomes are uncertain? Do I resist, or can I surrender and trust the process?
What does it feel like to give myself permission to explore, make mistakes, and play with ideas without a fixed goal?
If I let go of the need for precision and control, what new possibilities might emerge in my work, my relationships, or my personal growth?
Reflect, journal, discuss, or simply sit with them. The goal isn’t to find the “right” answers, but to deepen your awareness and open space for discovery – both in your creative process and in your life. Right there with you!
As always, if you want to chat and go deeper on some of these questions, send me a note at: carmen@thecrv.com
Carmen
