How To Stop the Shoulds and Create with Freedom

When you create, how often does the word "should" cross your mind?

I should be doing this perfectly, I should be doing as I was taught, I should be observing the rules, I should be doing what they want me to do...

It doesn't make for a very happy artist. In fact, whatever you create under these kind of conditions (that is if you manage to create at all) will be tainted by an underlying resentment that you haven't created what you heart truly desired.

Here are 3 of the most dangerous forms of "should" and how to shut them off.

1. The "parent/peer/professor" should. This is simply when your creative work is dictated not by you but by your parents, peers or professors. It doesn't mean these people are literally standing just behind you closely scrutinizing every move, making sure you create exactly what they expect you to create. It means your creative freedom and talents are restricted because you're trying to create what you think other people think you should be creating. Not what you really long to create yourself. Sometimes these influences aren't even still alive and they continue to have an oppressive hold over you. Step out of the shadows and create what's within you yearning to be released!
2. The "first come first served" should. Most of us have some way of gathering ideas as they come to us, either in a notebook or with a camera or sound recorder. Then when we come to choose an idea to develop, we get go to the first page/picture/recording we have and feel that because we had this idea first, we must develop it first. Even if we've had a dozen more stimulating ideas since. Instead, go with the natural energy and vibrancy of your ideas. Pick the first one you come across that excites and inspires you (whether you had it 10 seconds ago or 10 years ago), then shut out all others and let that creativity flow!
3. The "colour within the lines" should. This should is all about following the rules, using the right equipment in exactly the right way, reading the instructions and so on. You know, all the boring and limiting stuff! It's often when we challenge the boundaries and limitations of our art, our materials, our tools, and our creativity itself, that the most amazing work comes forth. The kind of work you even shock yourself with, and think "Wow, I didn't know I had it in me". Happy mistakes also come in this category, when you create freely and an apparent "mistake" turns out to give you a better outcome than the one you were aiming for originally. Scribble over the lines and see what you can create.

These are 3 of the most creatively damaging "shoulds". Which do you recognize in YOUR creative life?