Called to Both - Balancing Motherhood and Business for Photographers

165: The Emotion Nobody Talks About: Creative Resentment — and How to Reset Before a New Year

Joy Michelle, Coach for Photographers

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0:00 | 9:56

You’re not burnt out. If anything, you’re probably resentful. There’s an emotion many creative business owners carry into the new year without even realizing it: creative resentment. It comes from the quiet frustration that grows when you’re underpaid, overbooked, and undervalued—and no one is talking about it.

In this episode, I break down what creative resentment actually is, how it creeps in, and how to release it so you can move into 2026 with clarity and confidence. Listen in as I share the three key reflection questions that every creative entrepreneur should ask themselves before setting goals or pricing for the new year.

In this episode:

  1. How creative resentment shows up—and why it’s not your fault.
  2. The boundary leaks and unsaid expectations that fuel resentment.
  3. Three powerful reflection questions to reset your mindset and business for the new year.

Find It Quickly:

01:26 - Defining Creative Resentment

02:25 - Identifying the Causes of Resentment

03:19 - Reflecting on the Past Year

04:15 - Three Questions to Release Resentment


More ways to connect:
JOY MICHELLE INSTAGRAM
WORK WITH JOY AS YOUR COACH
JOY MICHELLE CO. WEBSITE

Read the full show notes from today’s episode HERE.

Doors are NOW OPEN for The Rise Collective, an intimate group coaching experience designed for photographers whose work is strong—but whose business hasn’t caught up yet. If you’re ready to stop figuring it out alone and build a business that reflects your talent, this is your next step. We kick off on April 20th, 2026! 

DM RISE on Instagram for all the details: instagram.com/joyymichelle

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