There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for unlocking your artistic potential. Anyone who tries to sell you a generic coaching program with empty promises is not worth your time. This journey is deeply personal and requires self-awareness and determination. While learning from others' mistakes can be beneficial (as I do in my "Creating spaces, experiences, and community" summer retreats, where I share 20 years of my own mistakes and poor decisions that ultimately propelled me forward), the responsibility to find and make decisions lies with you.

First, let’s talk about what artistic potential means. It's the wealth of creativity within you that’s waiting to be unleashed. Often, this potential is stifled by self-censorship, stemming from internal and external conditioning. Your artistic potential is something you must consciously nurture, open up, and develop. This involves unlearning harmful myths and societal constraints, and relearning how to build confidence and strength to unlock your hidden treasure with trust and courage. This is an essential journey every artist should undertake, and that’s why we are proud to call our school a safe space for both learning and unlearning, as one conditions the other.

Secondly, what does it mean to be held back in the context of artistic expression? It means we don’t always dare to fully open up and show our true selves, embracing our unique voices and visions. Conditioned by family, society, academia, and the professional artistic community, we often feel the need to conform to standards, norms, and gatekeepers' expectations. But trying to please others diverts our energy and focus, ultimately diminishing our enjoyment and passion for our craft. Holding back means not allowing ourselves to be the artists we could be if we acted freely and authentically. While holding back is a consequence of conditioning, our duty as responsible adults is to stop living the life others want us to live. Stop blaming others and start making decisions and taking actions that break the chain and bring us forward on the road of independency.

Here, I will share with you the 10 common reasons that block us from achieving the artistic careers we deserve and becoming the vibrant, creative individuals we are meant to be. Some might seem obvious, while others may feel uncomfortable to acknowledge. These reasons are distilled from 20 years of experience and close interaction with artists as a choreographer, community activist, and teacher-facilitator. I've heard countless stories and experiences, and now I have the pleasure of sharing some insights to help you unlock your true potential:
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1. Fear of failure: Many artists are paralyzed by the fear of not succeeding, which prevents them from even trying. This fear can be deeply ingrained, stemming from early life experiences where failure was met with harsh criticism or punishment. Over time, this can create a mental block that convinces you that failure is a reflection of your worth as an artist. The fear of failure can also be amplified by the competitive nature of the art world, where rejection is common and success can feel elusive.
   Our responsibility: At the School of Disobedience, we create a safe and supportive environment where we encourage experimentation and risk-taking, helping you to redefine failure as a stepping stone to success—whatever success means to you. It's crucial to see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Failures don't define you; how you respond does! Embrace the idea that each failure brings you closer to your true potential, providing valuable lessons that help you refine your craft and strengthen your resilience.
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2. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can be crippling. Allow yourself to create "imperfectly"; often, the most profound and innovative art emerges from imperfection and mistakes, arising as byproducts of free experimentation and playful exploration. Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. While it can drive you to achieve high standards, it can also paralyze you with the fear that nothing you create will ever be good enough. This can lead to chronic procrastination, anxiety, and a sense of never being satisfied with your work.
   Our responsibility: Firstly, our programs prioritize personal authenticity and originality over collectively measured perfection. At the "Outside of the Box" retreat, we help you break free from the chains of perfectionism, allowing you to rediscover the joy of creating art. Playing isn’t a regression; it’s about embracing your creativity as an adult. Build playgrounds that open up space for experimentation, allow the process to unfold, and give your voice a chance to be heard and your art a chance to be seen. We emphasize the importance of process over product, encouraging you to find joy in the act of creation rather than fixating with anxiety and stress on the end result according to external standards and norms.
   Secondly, every participant’s achievement is measured against their own potential, not compared to others. We reject general standards and redefine what perfection means for each individual, giving every unique definition the space to fully exist.
   We strive to do our best while avoiding unrealistic criteria that don’t resonate with us. We set our own values and give what we can—sometimes our maximum, sometimes a bit less—depending on our daily availability.
   We follow our own rhythm and pace, which builds self-confidence and helps us break free from creating art to fit and please others. We offer what we can, and that in itself is immense.
   
   
3. Procrastination: Delaying your work can be a form of self-sabotage. Set clear, achievable goals and deadlines to keep yourself on track. Procrastination often stems from a fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of clear direction. It can manifest as endless planning, over-researching, or waiting for the "perfect" moment to start a project, which may never come.
   Our responsibility: Our structured framework provides clear goals and deadlines, helping you stay focused and productive. Regular check-ins and accountability partners ensure you stay on track and overcome procrastination. Our programs are set in a dynamic and energetic environment, where there's simply no time to overthink processes. You're constantly encouraged to take action and experiment. In both our retreats and masterclasses, you enter a state of flow: creating, choreographing, performing, and producing. This shifts you from being stuck in your mind to actively engaging in the field of action. By trying more and more often, you increase your chances of discovering interesting material, meeting fascinating people, and achieving success—whatever success means to you. Enhancing your chances of success is also a form of self-love: you act as if you deserve it, giving yourself the opportunity to exist as an artist.
   Our organization helps you break your projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set realistic deadlines, enabling you to build momentum and maintain a steady creative output. You enter a world where you act, progress, expand, grow, and shine—and this is truly beautiful!
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4. Straying from authenticity: It's possible that you're not fully expressing your authentic self through your art. Despite your training, you might find yourself creating work that mirrors the styles and themes of your peers or milieu, rather than reflecting your own unique interests and vision. This tendency to conform to established norms, trends, and even discourses could be stifling your creativity and preventing you from making a personal impact in the art world. However, the only way to be truly meaningful is to be personal.
   Our responsibility: To break free from this cycle, it's essential to reconnect with your inner voice and create art that truly resonates with your personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Our programs help you rediscover and harness your unique artistic voice, giving you the confidence to trust in your intuitions and choices. Both in our retreats and master classes, we encourage you to dare to be yourself, explore with both softness and courage your personal narratives, cultural heritage, and individual perspectives. This approach helps you create work that is deeply personal, powerful, and resonant. By focusing on your authentic self, you can produce art that is sincere, honest, and generous—art that stands out and connects with others on a profound level.
   
   
5. Communication disconnect: Your focus on pleasing art world intermediaries such as curators, critics, and art historians may be hindering your ability to connect with your true audience on a deeper level. While these gatekeepers play a role in shaping the discourse around contemporary art, their interpretations and critiques can sometimes overshadow the essence of your work.
   Our responsibility: In how you speak, let's distinguish between "communication" (having a strategic discourse) and "dialogue" (having a sincere and authentic voice). And regarding those who receive your words (not message), let's differentiate intermediaries (curators, programmers, critics...) who can act as channels, from your true audience, whom you want to touch with your art.
   By prioritizing intermediaries' approval over authentic self-expression, you risk diluting the power and authenticity of your artistic voice. Instead, shift your focus away from intermediaries and towards cultivating direct connections with your true audience. Don't rely on channels, be your own bridge and connect directly with your audience. Speak to them in your own language, one that resonates deeply with you. Invent words and create your own vocabulary that best describe your practice, values, and dreams. Don’t cheat, don’t lie, and don’t try to please. Be yourself, and you will be rewarded.
   
   
6. Conformity to trends: The pressure to conform to thematic trends and open call requirements may be leading you away from your true creative path. While these opportunities can provide exposure and validation within the art world, they may also constrain your artistic vision and lead you to create work that aligns with current trends rather than your unique perspective.
   Our responsibility: To overcome this challenge, resist the temptation to follow trendy topics and discourses, and instead, focus on developing your own unique artistic voice. Embrace experimentation and risk-taking, allowing yourself the freedom to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of artistic expression. Our curriculum is designed to help you deconstruct societal, familial, and professional expectations, empowering you to create art that is true to your own desires. By focusing on what you want to express and creating to please yourself rather than others, you can develop a distinctive artistic identity that stands out in a crowded field.
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7. Time and energy constraints: Juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities outside of your artistic practice can be incredibly draining, both physically and creatively. When we focus too much on pleasing others or trying to prove our worth, it saps our energy and leaves us feeling depleted. Similarly, excessive phone use and social media scrolling can consume valuable time and energy, often leading to unnecessary comparisons and distractions. Dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future also drains our energy reserves, preventing us from fully focusing on the present and our creative endeavors.
   Our responsibility: Firstly, to make meaningful progress as an artist, it's crucial to conserve your energy wisely. Prioritizing rest, sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular physical movement are essential for maintaining vitality. Equally important is investing your emotional energy in nurturing self-trust and self-love. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about uncontrollable factors, focus on positive actions that foster your artistic growth and overall well-being. By dedicating time and resources to self-care and nurturing your artistic practice, rather than depleting your energy on irrelevant concerns, you can cultivate a sustainable creative process that leads to fulfillment and achievement of your artistic goals.
   Secondly, coping with the drain of multiple jobs requires a strategic approach to transition towards making your art your primary source of income. Our Facilitators Training program is designed to assist you in developing a sustainable economic model that supports your artistic endeavors. Through this program, you'll explore finding your unique leadership style outside of traditional capitalist frameworks. You'll also gain skills in time and financial management, empowering you to create a balanced lifestyle. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and integrating your creative work as your main income source, you can maintain a healthy equilibrium and ensure that your artistic practice thrives with vitality and purpose.
   
   
8. The myth of art as a hobby: Deep-seated societal beliefs and cultural norms may undermine your confidence and self-worth as an artist. From an early age, you may have been conditioned to view art as a hobby rather than a viable career path, leading to feelings of doubt and insecurity about pursuing your creative passions. These beliefs can be reinforced by family, educators, and society at large, making it difficult to see art as a legitimate and valuable profession.
   Our responsibility: In our program, we challenge these limiting beliefs and empower you to rewrite your narrative as an artist. Through a process of unlearning and self-discovery, you can cultivate a mindset of abundance and possibility, embracing your unique talents and contributions to the world. Constructive feedback and encouragement help you build the confidence to trust your abilities and express your true self. By reframing your perspective and recognizing the value of your artistic work, you can overcome these societal barriers and pursue your creative ambitions with confidence and determination.
   
   
9. Breaking free from academic constraints: If you feel confined by the constraints of the institutional art world, know that there are alternative paths to success and fulfillment as an artist. Academic training can sometimes impose rigid standards and expectations that stifle creativity and innovation, leading you to feel disconnected from your true artistic vision.
   Our responsibility: By embracing innovation, experimentation, and unconventional approaches to art-making, you can carve out a space for yourself in the art world that celebrates your originality and creativity. Through guided exercises, workshops, and mentorship, we'll empower you to explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and chart your own course to artistic success. We encourage you to think outside the box, take risks, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. By breaking free from the constraints of academic conventions, you can create a practice that is uniquely your own and resonates with your personal experiences and vision.
   
   
10. The power of stereotypes: Society often perpetuates harmful myths about artists that can seriously undermine your confidence and distort your perception of what it means to pursue an artistic career. These myths include the "Talented Artist Myth" (which suggests that only those with innate talent can succeed as artists, implying that skill cannot be developed), the "Tortured Artist Myth" (which portrays artists as needing to suffer to create, suggesting that emotional turmoil is essential for producing profound work), and the "Starving Artist Myth" (which perpetuates the idea that artists must live in poverty and financial struggle to produce meaningful work, implying that commercial success is incompatible with artistic integrity). Such stereotypes not only limit your potential but also reinforce self-doubt, making it difficult to envision a successful and fulfilling artistic journey.
    Our responsibility: At the School of Disobedience, we are dedicated to dismantling harmful stereotypes and empowering artists to reclaim their narratives. We challenge the limiting beliefs ingrained in societal consciousness and encourage you to rewrite the stories you’ve been told about what it means to be an artist. We envision a new iconography: one where you are a joyful and successful version of yourself.
    Self-care goes beyond routine practices; it includes trusting in your abilities, pursuing your dreams, and taking proactive steps toward your goals. Rather than postponing your aspirations, self-care means giving yourself the opportunity to grow and progress now. At the School of Disobedience, we support you in this journey of deconstruction and unlearning, helping you become the singular artist you are truly meant to be.

By addressing these common barriers, the School of Disobedience provides you with the tools, community, and support needed to unlock your full artistic potential. Are you ready to break free from the constraints holding you back? Join us on this transformative journey and become the vibrant, creative individual you are meant to be. Sign up for our programs today and start your path to artistic freedom and fulfillment.

With much care and love,

Anna Ádám
​Founder of the School of Disobedience