How Does Big Magic Book By Elizabeth Gilbert Approach Fear In Creativity?

In 'Big Magic', Elizabeth Gilbert tackles fear in creativity by treating it as a natural companion rather than an enemy. She suggests that fear is always going to be there when you’re creating something new, but it doesn’t have to control you. Gilbert’s approach is practical—she advises acknowledging fear’s presence but not letting it make decisions for you. She uses the metaphor of taking fear along for the ride but not letting it drive the car. This perspective helps creators focus on their passion and curiosity instead of being paralyzed by fear. It’s a refreshing take that encourages embracing imperfection and moving forward despite the doubts.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s 'Big Magic' offers a unique perspective on fear in creativity, framing it as an inevitable part of the creative process. She doesn’t try to eliminate fear but instead suggests making peace with it. Gilbert writes about how fear often stems from a place of caring deeply about your work, which isn’t inherently bad. The key is to not let fear dictate your actions. She uses a metaphor of fear being a backseat passenger—it’s allowed to come along, but it’s not in charge of the journey.

What I find most compelling is her emphasis on curiosity as a counterbalance to fear. Gilbert argues that curiosity is a more powerful force because it’s driven by joy rather than anxiety. She encourages creators to focus on what excites them, even if it’s small or seemingly insignificant. This shift in focus helps reduce the overwhelming pressure that fear can bring.

Another aspect I appreciate is her honesty about failure. Gilbert doesn’t sugarcoat the risks of putting your work out there, but she also doesn’t let fear of failure stop her. She shares personal stories of rejection and disappointment, showing that fear doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Instead, it can be a reminder of how much you care about your craft. This approach makes 'Big Magic' both relatable and empowering for anyone struggling with creative fears.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s 'Big Magic' approaches fear in creativity with a mix of practicality and humor. She doesn’t pretend fear isn’t real or powerful, but she refuses to let it take center stage. Gilbert’s advice is straightforward: acknowledge fear, thank it for trying to protect you, and then move on. She believes fear is a natural response to stepping into the unknown, but it shouldn’t be the boss of your creative life.

One of the most striking ideas in the book is her suggestion to treat creativity as a partnership with the universe. Gilbert talks about ideas as living entities that choose us, and fear as something that tries to scare us away from those ideas. By focusing on the joy of creation rather than the fear of failure, she argues, we can stay open to inspiration.

Gilbert also emphasizes the importance of persistence. She shares her own experiences of facing rejection and self-doubt, but she never let those stop her from creating. Her message is clear: fear will always be there, but it doesn’t have to win. This perspective is both comforting and motivating, especially for anyone who’s ever felt stuck because of their fears.