You CAN Keep Going
Overcome fear, burnout and solitude.
“Take small, measured steps.
Cycle between action and rest.
Create in the presence of others.
Then you CAN keep going.
You CAN create consistently.”
— The Prolific Creator
You’re so tired.
One more step seems like a mile.
You don’t know how to keep going.
Three chief impediments exist to consistent creation: Fear, Burnout and Solitude.
Fear largely occurs with too big of a step. So when you feel fear in its various forms, consider taking a smaller one. Maybe even take a step back and address your form. Fear is a barometer of change. It is your primal mind trying to keep you safe.
Fear is a useful measure of proximity to comfort zone. It recedes to a manageable level when taking measured steps beyond the boundary of what's known. Step by step, you expand what is comfortable into the unknown. What is frightening and overwhelming becomes mere discomfort and unease.
Burnout is a symptom of a short-circuited creative cycle. All hustle and no healthy. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but the more rest alternates with action, the more creativity flourishes.
Consider the development of muscle. If you train day after day with no rest, the body begins to break down. Strength plateaus. Fatigue sets in. Aches, pains and injury become familiar companions. You’ve overtrained. The same thing is possible with creativity, mentally and physically.
Solitude will kill your creativity in a dip. These dips occur naturally from time to time... frustrating intervals where the creative juices refuse to flow. You lose a step. And then another. Second guessing everything is common in these moments.
Sometimes you need the strength of others. And not just anyone. You need fellow travelers who have been there... who ARE there. People who understand the path of the creator. People who are committed to it.
So don’t just create. Share often and engage with fellow creators. They will celebrate the highs, lend strength in the lows and comfort in between. The more you create, share and engage, the more of them you will attract.
🤔 Food for Thought:
Is the thought of creating consistently overwhelming?
Have you considered the root cause of this feeling?
Which of the chief impediments are you suffering from the most?
Do any other impediments exist? If yes, what are they?
⚙️ One Small Step:
Start with one of the following healing salves...
Take small, measured steps: How can you break down your next creation into smaller pieces? Pay close attention to the level of fear and distraction you are met with. Reduce them to a manageable level.
Cycle between action and rest: Get plenty of sleep each night. Nourish your body. Take time for walks, reading, family, fun, etc. Give your mind time to catch up with acts of creation.
Create in the presence of others: Start with sharing your work. Look for creators who share interests. Look for compatible communities. Engage with them in comments, DMs and then in video chats.
Don’t try to do it all at once. Just one small step in the right direction is all you need right now. And it will make all the difference.