Do you have a creative project hidden away that you would love to finish but don't know how? You know - that project that is stuck in the back of the wardrobe of your mind. You can't bear to throw it away but you don't feel like it fits anymore?
Or maybe you are feeling stuck in your creative practice? Maybe you’re a designer, quilter, artist or entrepreneur with a million ideas, but feel unable to move forward.
As the saying goes, “life is what you make of it.” But sometimes, life can have a way of throwing us curve balls and getting in the way of our creative projects. We all have at least one forgotten project that we had big dreams for, but due to life’s many distractions and responsibilities, never got around to completing it.
Whether it was a creative project such as writing an unfinished novel or sketching a half-done painting, we all have something in common; there are ideas that were once so close to our hearts still waiting to be completed.
One of the primary reasons why creative projects fail to reach completion is because they demand an enormous level of commitment. Creative endeavours are often unpredictable in nature and may involve tackling complex challenges which can be difficult to overcome without dedication and discipline. Moreover, creative projects usually take place over several months or even years; this lengthy duration can make it difficult for us to stay motivated throughout our journey towards its completion. Furthermore, discrepancies between our idealized visions of our project versus reality can cause disappointment that causes us to abandon progress altogether.
In today's world, it can be difficult to stay focused. With constant notifications and distractions, it's easy to lose sight of the task at hand. However, by taking a few simple steps, we can refocus and rediscover our creativity.
Start by shining a light on that special project you are wanting to complete. Bring it out into the open and take a long look at where you are with it. Dust it off and imagine it finished. Is it still meaningful to complete it and will it still serve its original purpose if you pour the necessary time and energy into it?
If it still lights you up then start with a written plan. Put pen to paper and set some clear goals and create an achievable timeline for completion. This gives you something concrete to work towards and helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Make a list of the steps you need to work through to achieve completion. And any additional resources you need to finish it.
Additionally, setting aside specific times during the day/week/month for creative projects will help minimize distractions from other tasks that need attention.
Finally, taking regular breaks throughout the creative process allows us to return with a renewed focus on the project at hand. Taking a walk or listening to music are two great ways to temporarily disconnect from our project without completely stopping progress altogether. Keeping momentum going is key and having a written plan you can refer to keeps you anchored to whatever is next - which keeps you engaged and on track.
Completing a creative project can be an incredibly fulfilling experience and is within everyone’s reach. All it takes is the right mindset, dedication, and a willingness to experiment and learn along the way. By setting realistic goals, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, and staying organized and focused, you can make even the most ambitious project seem achievable. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the process!