In this episode we tackle the hidden saboteurs of creative success: perfectionism, fear of judgment, and the nagging feeling your work isn't interesting enough. Inspired by conversations and DMs with so many of you, we explore how these barriers often masquerade as professionalism, preventing us from sharing the "ordinary" aspects of our creative process that our audience truly craves. What seems mundane to many of us holds truely impactful and unique value for others, showcasing our expertise and importantly justifying our pricing. I share practical tips on how to reframe your understanding of "professional," prioritise authenticity, and share your journey (imperfections and all!) to connect with your audience and unlock genuine business growth. It's time to stop striving for perfect and start embracing your authentic creative self!

Key Moments:

• [01:45] The unexpected insights from all the received messages to episode 081 about Instagram
• [03:24] The three common barriers consistently holding creative entrepreneurs back
• [05:10] How perfectionism masquerades as professional standards and attention to detail
• [06:39] My personal experience with podcast creation and moving towards YouTube
• [10:05] The hidden costs of perfectionism in your business beyond just social media
• [16:51] Research on authenticity and why 90% of consumers prioritise it when choosing brands
• [18:45] Why what seems ordinary to you is often fascinating to others
• [19:16] The "curse of knowledge" and how it affects our perception of our own expertise
• [23:27] Reframing what "professional" really means beyond perfection
• [27:18] Practical questions to ask instead of "Is this perfect enough?"
• [28:11] Using Instagram carousels to reduce the pressure of perfection
• [31:32] Strategies for sharing authentically even when feeling vulnerable
• [34:49] How showing up more authentically online translates to other areas of your business
• [36:59] Finding approaches that align with how you naturally work and communicate

Notable Quotes:

"The gap between what we're willing to share and what our audience actually wants to see – that's where these inner barriers are costing us the most."

"When we only share the most polished, perfect versions of our creative process, we're reinforcing to ourselves that only certain parts of our work and story are valuable."

Resources Mentioned:

• Read: This Week's Journal Post
• Read: Metricool's 2024 Social Media Report
• Ref: Stackla survey on consumer authenticity preferences
• Episode 081: What's Actually Working on Instagram in 2025
• Website: www.philippacraddock.com
• Email: [email protected]

Share Your Insights:

I'd love to hear what's been holding you back from sharing more behind the scenes content, not just on Instagram but in your business as a whole. Share your thoughts with me over on Instagram – however old this episode, I read every message and love to continue conversations as many of these form the basis of new content...

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, be the first to know about new offerings, receive exclusive resources, and join a community of creative entrepreneurs building sustainable, profitable businesses without the burnout.