321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
Release Date: 07/15/2026
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321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don’t go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn’t...
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info_outline321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection
In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don’t go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn’t just about accolades and recognition. A key theme that emerged is that true creatives must fall in love with the act of creating itself, not just the outcomes or external rewards. Cultivating this passion fuels perseverance through inevitable setbacks.
🎨 Rejection Is Part of the Journey – The discussion explored how rejection and missed opportunities are unavoidable and, in fact, vital aspects of a creative life. Processing these experiences constructively—rather than internalizing self-doubt—helps creatives build resilience and uncover new paths.
🎨 Find the Balance Between Retreat and Action – One concept discussed was navigating the extremes of swinging at every opportunity versus hiding from fear of rejection. Instead, the podcast encourages a rhythm of honest assessment, strategic action, and rest to support long-term creative growth and prevent burnout.
Episode Highlights:
– Rain derails local events, showing how external factors outside of one’s control can impact even the best-prepared creative efforts.
– Processing the disappointment of repeated rejections, and how not being selected doesn’t define your talent or worth.
– Identifying your natural response to setbacks and learning how to channel your energy productively—whether that’s resting, regrouping, or reigniting your creative drive.
Links and Resources:
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Mike Brennan’s website: https://mikebrennan.me
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Daily Creative Habit™ Journal & Newsletter: Available under the “Daily Creative Habit” tab on Mike’s website
Feeling encouraged by this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps bring more conversations and insights to fellow creatives. To deepen your own creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit™ resources at https://mikebrennan.me—and remember, the next opportunity always starts with showing up. Go create something!