Have you ever walked into a room and instantly thought: They all know more than me. They’re further ahead. They’re more established. They’ve got better work, better contacts, better everything.
And before you’ve even opened your mouth… You’ve already decided your position.
Somewhere near the bottom.
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been looking at what stops you in these spaces. First, the story you tell yourself before you go. Then, how you interpret what’s happening when you’re there.
This week is something deeper.
What you believe about yourself in that room. This isn’t about the room. It’s about comparison without context.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When you walk into a room as an artist, it’s so easy to decide everyone else is more established, more connected, more interesting – and quietly put yourself at the bottom before you’ve even opened your mouth.
Comparing without context is holding you back. You are taking other people’s outside (their confidence, their contacts, their ease in the room) and putting it next to how you feel inside - You have no idea how long it took them, how many awkward nights they’ve had, or how often they’ve thought, “I don’t belong here,” too.
Instead of shrinking and slipping away early, use Ceri´s SHOW checklist - See that you’re comparing without the full picture, Hold your physical ground, Offer one small, honest contribution, and Wait before you judge how it went. Learn to stay in the room and build real confidence, one moment at a time.
BEST MOMENTS
"You're taking a snapshot of someone else's career, confidence or presence and placing it next to your internal experience. And of course, you lose because you're comparing their outside with your inside, you see someone speaking confidently."
"Let me be really clear, this does not go away. You can be experienced. You can be established. You can have done the thing you once dreamed of and still walk into a room and think, I'm not sure I belong here."
"If you always assume you're the least interesting person in the room, you'll behave like it, and then you'll use that behaviour as proof."
“In one conversation, offer something not perfect, not polished, just something - because that's how you start to gather new evidence.”
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She has sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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https://cerihand.com/membership/
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Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.
https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/
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Book a Discovery Call Today
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at
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This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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