A Must Read for Creatives
A creative reset for when fear and perfectionism start creeping in
If you’re a singer, chances are you’ve felt stuck, self-conscious, or downright terrified at some point. Maybe you’ve held back in rehearsal, overthought a performance, or convinced yourself you just weren’t “ready” yet. I see this all the time in lessons — and I’ve felt it myself more times than I can count.
One of the most helpful books I’ve ever read (and re-read!) is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s not a singing manual — it’s a book about living creatively despite fear. And honestly, it’s one of the best things I can recommend to anyone who sings.
Here’s why it matters:
🎈 Fear is part of the process — but it doesn’t get to be in charge.
Gilbert talks about how fear always shows up when we do something creative. That’s normal. What matters is not letting it drive the car. As singers, fear can show up in sneaky ways — perfectionism, comparison, stage fright. But this book offers a gentler way to live with fear instead of letting it run the show.🎈 You don’t need permission to sing.
This is a big one. You don’t have to wait until you feel “good enough.” You don’t need anyone’s approval to use your voice. Big Magic reminds us that creativity is for everyone — not just the pros or the confident ones. And that message is something I find myself echoing in lessons all the time.🎈 Perfectionism is just fear wearing a smart outfit.
So many singers get stuck in the loop of trying to get everything exactly right. I know that mindset well — and so does Gilbert. She gently calls it out for what it is: a fear of being judged. This book encourages us to show up anyway. To try. To let things be messy and alive and full of heart.🎈 Creativity is a partnership.
One of the most beautiful (and slightly quirky) ideas in the book is that ideas are like little sparks of magic, and they’re looking for someone to bring them to life. If you get an urge to sing something, write something, create something — follow it. Even if it feels random or imperfect or scary. That’s the good stuff.I often return to Big Magic when I need a bit of creative courage — and I recommend it to singers who want to feel more free, more playful, and more connected to their voice. It’s not about tips or tricks — it’s about mindset. And for so many of us, that’s the thing we need most.
If you do read it, I’d love to know what stays with you!
Olivia
