The Pressure of Holiday Season with Empowerment Coaching
- Amanda DeBraux
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
The holiday season is a time filled with joy and connection, but it can also trigger anxiety and loneliness for many creatives. As the year winds down, the need to meet family expectations, attend social gatherings, and field unwelcome questions about your artistic pursuits can feel overwhelming. Questions like, “How is your acting career going?” or “Have you booked any work yet?” can cut deep, especially when they come from well-meaning relatives who may not grasp the dedication it takes to thrive in the creative world.
In this post, I'll share strategies to navigate the emotional ups and downs of the holiday season as a creative individual. By focusing on self-reflection, celebrating your achievements, and establishing boundaries, you can safeguard your wellbeing and creativity. As your Empowerment & Transformational Coach, I want to reassure you that you are not on this journey alone. Together, let’s prepare you for a fulfilling new year ahead.
Understanding the Holiday Pressure
The holidays can be a double-edged sword for those in creative fields. On one side, they bring opportunities for bonding and celebration; on the contrasting side, they can amplify feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Family gatherings, often are layered with expectations, that lead to uncomfortable conversations, especially when differing views on your career come into play.
Pressure can come not just from family and friends but from the inner critic questioning personal choices. When faced with comments that seem judgmental, you may find it difficult to appreciate the holiday spirit and the goodwill that comes with it.
The Creative Journey: More Than Just Bookings
For creatives, the journey encompasses much more than landing roles or locking in gigs. Think of the countless hours spent perfecting your craft, the numerous auditions that often end in rejection, or the networking events that can feel exhausting. Every one of these experiences contributes to your journey, shaping you as an artist along the way.
Consider this: an actor might go through over 20 auditions in a single year, securing just two or three roles. Each audition helps build skills and confidence, and every “no” is one step closer to the “yes” that truly matters.
Reflect on the highlights of your year.
You cultivated relationships that inspired you
You took a course that expanded your skills.
You discovered a new skillset in your craft.
What about you tried something new?
I see you being FEARLESS!!
Celebrate these moments and recognize their importance as part of your artistic development.
Celebrating Your Wins
As we approach the year's end, dedicate time to celebrate your personal achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
You completed a project that ignited your passion.
You wrote one scene of your your short.
You filmed your auditions without judgement.
You attended an event in my best outfit.
You connected with an agent or manager.
You booked a session with your coach.
Perhaps you learned a new skill that adds to your toolkit. Recognizing these victories can shift your mindset from one of scarcity to abundance.
It said that individuals who celebrate their accomplishments are reduce stress, anixety and see an increase in their confidence, thought process, mood, work output and feel motivated and boost their self-esteem. By focusing on your wins, you reinforce a positive outlook that fuels your ambitions.
Here are some Mindset Artistry Podcast episode to help you through your journey:
Mental Health Unfiltered: Authenticity, Energy, and Self-Discovery | Ep 58 | Mindset Artistry
Values | EP 1| Mindset Artistry
Rising Above Comfortable Suffering: How to Heal and Thrive I EP 21 | Mindset Artistry
The Echoes of Words: A Deep Dive into the Power of Self-Talk | EP 27 | Mindset Artistry
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Deprecation: Embracing Authenticity I EP 18 | Mindset Artistry
A crucial component of successfully navigating the holiday season as a creative is establishing healthy boundaries. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations that might drain your energy or increase your stress levels. Your mental wellbeing should always come first, particularly during what can be a charged time of year.
Communicate your needs with friends and family. Let them know you appreciate their interest in your art but may not feel comfortable discussing it at every gathering. Setting these boundaries can help create a more understanding environment, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the additional pressure.
The Power of Reflection
Prepare for the new year by setting aside time to reflect on your artistic journey.
What lessons have you learned about yourself over the past year?
Where have you experienced growth despite the challenges?
Reflecting is a crucial tool to gain insight into your creative path.
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This practice can help you uncover patterns, identify areas for improvement, and set clear intentions for the year to come.
Embracing Your Creative DNA
At the heart of who you are lies the spirit of a creator. The urge to share your ideas, imagine new concepts, and engage in collaboration is part of your very being. This passion drives your pursuit of artistic endeavors, even amidst hardships.
Embrace your unique journey. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and you should allow your creativity to blossom.
The world needs your voice, your stories, and the art only you can create.
The Role of Coaching in Your Journey
As your Empowerment & Transformational Coach, I understand the rollercoaster that comes with being a creative. I have felt the frustration of unanswered emails and the joy of receiving that long-awaited role. Coaching offers vital support and guidance to help you navigate your journey with confidence.
Even if you are considering just a single coaching session, the safe space we create can be instrumental. You will get the chance to let go of fears, discover your strengths, and pursue your creative dreams.
Preparing for the New Year
Now is the perfect time to prepare for a successful new year.
Say F**k It. In this one-time transformative session, ambitious professionals map their goals as if achieved, breaking fear, reconnecting in 6 months to celebrate progress.
Take the lessons you’ve accumulated and transform them into an action plan tailored to your goals. What do you wish to accomplish in the coming months? Can you carve out dedicated time for your creative projects while maintaining balance in life?
Regularly check in with yourself, or seek guidance from a coach to stay accountable. This proactive strategy will help you navigate whatever challenges arise and keep your creative spirit thriving.
Embrace Your Journey
As you celebrate the holiday season, remember you are not alone in your creative journey. Many others share feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness during this time. However, by embracing your artistic path, acknowledging your wins, and establishing boundaries, you can approach the holidays with confidence and joy.
Use this season as an opportunity to reflect on your year, honor your growth, and
prepare for the exciting opportunities that await. Your passion for creativity is a gift, that NEEDS to be shared with the world.
Together, let’s explore how coaching can support you on your journey. We can unlock your potential and chart a course for a brighter future in the new year.
Always remember, you are a creator, and your journey is just beginning. Embrace it, and let your unique light shine brightly this holiday season and beyond.
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