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Hello, practice puppies!
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This week, we're talking about commitment (again!)—bail now or read on, the choice is yours.
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Whether you're learning a new skill, making a new work, or changing everyday habits, commitment is challenging. It often goes hand-in-hand with frustration, failure, self-doubt, and even boredom.
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These uncomfortable experiences make it hard to keep going. So, how do you know when to commit to a practice or when to call it quits?
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How long is this fuzzing puzzle going to take!?
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For lots of people, the decision to pursue a sparkly new idea is accompanied by a euphoric burst of energy and enthusiasm. Your new idea is all you can think (and talk) about!
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The roller coaster starts when you get further into the process. Maybe things aren't as simple as you imagined. Perhaps you make a mistake, fall back into old habits, or experience self doubt. These setbacks really slow your momentum. You have to make another choice—recommit or quit?
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Reflection: Recommit or Quit?
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Have you hit a road block in your practice? This is the perfect time to reflect. How are you feeling?
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- Do you feel bored? It's hard to stay motivated when you're bored. It's a good idea to change directions and work on something else.
- Do you feel disappointed? What exactly is disappointing you? Can you modify your idea or process to side-step this issue.
- Do you feel irritated or angry? Are you mad at yourself or at your project? Either way stop working and do something physical, like running around, jumping up and down, or dancing to loud music. This helps get the cortisol out of your system. Revisit the project once you're feeling different.
- Do you feel frustrated? This probably isn't the time to quit! Frustration is an odd combination of excitement and disappointment. It's uncomfortable, but it's usually a sign that you're at the edge of a breakthrough. Try leaning into the excitement, and be kind to yourself about the disappointments.
- Do you feel impatient? Impatience can be a good sign! You want the change to happen already because you know you can do it. You see the light at the end of the tunnel! Take a short break, have a snack, then keep going!
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Remember, emotions are temporary. You've felt other things in the past and you will feel different things in the future.
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Practice with us!
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This fall we are teaching a whole class about creative practice!
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Our "How to Keep Creating" course will bring together a community of cool, weird, insightful creatives to support each other through the ups and downs of creative practice. If that sounds like your jam, sign up for the Early Bird list and be the first to know!
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We'll be back in 2 weeks.
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Until then, keep practicing!
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If you want more Practice Practice right now, visit the store to pick up our workbook!
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