When the Journey Gets Rough

 

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I have a confession to make. Ready? I’m not always the confident, positive writer who marches purposefully along my creative journey. 2016 was a tough year full of health problems, work travel and negative events. Despite my best efforts, work on my current novel slowed from a humming 75 mph to about 5 mph.

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Creative inertia is the worst! Your motivation takes a nose dive. Depression and frustration sets in. Soon you start to wonder if you really are on the right path. Here are some steps I took to escape creative inertia:

• Do some self-care. Take a spa day, meditate or try a new hobby to relax
• Take stock. Why do you do what you do? And is it still worth doing?
• Adjust your definition of success. Are you enjoying those small successes or are you fixating on fame and fortune?
• Fall in love with your creative journey again. Take a step back and really look at what you’ve done and where you’re going
• Don’t take yourself too seriously! Nobody needs that kind of pressure.
• Have Fun!

Are You Listening to Your Inner Wisdom?

Pitfalls and perils can surprise you on your creative journey. Stay true to the little light from your inner wisdom and you’ll make your dream a reality.

Bypass the promises of “Easy Solutions”

Ignore the detours of doubt

Watch for the signs your inner wisdom leaves for you

Hold on tight to the faith you have in yourself and your dream

Beginning Your Creative Journey

Spring is a wonderful time for renewal and new beginnings. Why not start the creative journey you’ve been dreaming about? Or refresh things on your current adventure?

Here’s a list of things you’ll need to pack for the trip:

• A positive attitude
• Passion
• Your spirit of adventure
• A rough idea of the plan to reach your goals

What to leave behind:

• Self-doubt
• Other peoples’ negative judgements
• Your inner critic
• Immovable Expectations (Sometimes you want to allow things to unfold)

Above all else, enjoy the journey!

Words of Encouragement from A Creative in the Trenches

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TAG LINE: If I can do it, so can you!

They told me girls aren’t good at math:

I became a computer programmer

They said I couldn’t pass my project management certification, because I didn’t have enough experience:

I’ve been a PMP since 2004 and am now a successful program manager

The naysayers pontificated my dream of being an author was impossible. I’d never get through those impassible publishing gates:

My fifth novel comes out this summer (www.crrichards.com to check out my work)

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Am I super brilliant? Blessed by a fairy godmother? Have an “in” with publishers? I wish.

My Secret: I stay focused on my goal, work hard and maintain a super stubborn faith in my dream.

Don’t let the naysayers talk you out of achievement. I’m living proof they’re wrong. What are you waiting for? Go out and conquer!

 

Jumping Out of Your Comfort Zone

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Creating your dream takes a leap of faith. It also takes courage.

DO – Act upon your wishes and dreams

DON’T – Sit on the sidelines

DO – Face your fears. What do you have to do to make the next step less scary?

DON’T – Allow fear to freeze you into inaction

DO – Have faith in yourself and your dream

DON’T – Allow doubt to defeat you

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The Key to Motivation is…

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If you’re leader, encourager or someone who got stuck driving a community event, then you understand the importance of motivating people. Admit it. You’ve had fantasies about giving Bill Pullman’s speech from Independence Day or delivering the rallying battle cry from Braveheart.

Everyone is different. What motivates one person may not work on another. People can be a challenge, but what about the biggest challenge of all? How do you motivate YOU?

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Passion – What makes your heart race? What consumes your thoughts and dreams?

Fear – Are you more afraid of NOT pursuing your dream than taking the risk you’ll fail?

Hope – The very act of DOING gives you hope for the future.

If you can relate to these three motivational triggers, then you my friend are living a “purpose driven” life.

 

How Do You Inspire Others?

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Did you know you’re being watched? Not in a creepy way. That’s not what I mean. You are being watched by a friend, co-worker, neighbor, stranger or little kiddo living in your house. They see how hard you work to achieve your dreams. Many may not understand the struggle or your “why I do this” drive. Some may tune in simply for the end result. All of them, however, are inspired by YOU.

Aren’t sure you’re an inspiration? Remember to do the following each day:

Show Your Passion (Share your excitement and then listen to someone else’s dreams)

Show Your Commitment (Be honest about your struggles, but do not give up!)

Show Your Courage (Challenges happen. Solve them. Don’t whine.)

Show Your Victory (Celebrate your accomplishments. Help others to understand they can achieve their goals too.)

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Inspiring others is one of the most important responsibilities creative folks and leadership driven people have. We are “seed planters” and encouragers. You never know what that little seed may grow up to be.