Snoopy On Overcoming Creative Blocks

by | Jan 28, 2013 | Uncategorized

hibernating animalsSo, we’ve nearly come to February.  The shine of New Year’s Resolutions is wearing thin and the primal grizzly bear urge to hide on the couch under a blanket until Spring is going strong. I’ve been feeling it, too, and not for the first time!

What do we DO when we feel worn out, hopeless, and discouraged?

I shared some wisdom with my Inner Fire, Outer Light posse earlier this week and wanted to pass along the love to you as I know we’re not the only ones suffering from the urge to hibernate!  Let me know how it goes by sharing on the Facebook Page, won’t you?

It is tempting to enter the downward spiral of self-blame, TV, and chocolate, but there is another way.  Read on for practical and simple ways to move back into our joyous, creating selves even before the spring.
“Remember that keeping your SELF fueled and aflame is the most important thing.

“You cannot allow yourself to get overtired, underfed or to lose your sense of humor. If you do, the whole thing will fall apart.

“So even though it might seem backwards, you must rest MORE now, OK?”  -Samantha Bennett

Snoopy_happy_dance

CREATIVE ACTION

The key here is micro-action, then celebration.  Nothing is too small.

1. Begin with the basics

Eat, sleep, exercise.  Don’t neglect any of these.  Again, micro-action.  If you’ve suddenly become a couch potato, don’t plan to run 5 miles a day.  Simply get out of the house a talk a short walk once a day to start.  Then, celebrate!

2. Celebrate every action

Find small ways to celebrate.  Post it on Facebook or email a friend.  Make yourself your favorite kind of tea.  Call a good friend.  Pet your cat or dog for a few minutes.  Say nice things to yourself.  Get a good hug.  Dance around the living room to your favorite song.

3.  Creative Diversion

If you want to lounge and watch TV, instead, try taking down the instrument or pen or needle and make something for 5 minutes.  I’m serious, just five minutes.  Play one song.  Write a stream-of-consciousness poem.  Stitch one seam.  Then, celebrate!

You may continue if you wish.

4.  Micro-burst of Action

If you’re working on the business end of your creative life, it may seem ideal to make a list of 30 potential clients, then pick up the phone and call all of them. Truth be told, you will mostly leave messages, so this might only take 60-90 minutes and if you can do it that way, bravo!

But, for the rest of us mortals, here’s another path.

Make one call.

That’s it.  Keep it simple.  Use a script and leave that voicemail.  Then, celebrate.

If you want to continue, go right ahead, but not before doing a little happy dance :).

I don’t say this to be silly, but because, just in order to pick up that phone in the first place, I want to acknowledge those of you who had to wriggle your way out of the straight-jacket of your fears, self-criticisms, external messages, and so much more.  Just to pick up that phone and dial (and then not hang up until you left a message) was a victory!  And, victories ought to be celebrated!

Plus, then you know you can do it again and that’s pretty helpful when your goal is to actually SHARE your creative gifts with a world hungry for them.

Ready to share your struggles and micro-celebrations in a Creative Community?

Ready for an advocate and guide for your creative work to finally produce the income, recognition, fans, and impact you’ve been longing after?

I have opened up a few spaces this week (they vanish February 1st!) to help you gain clarity, direction and connection to the resources you need to move your creative life forward.  Click here to claim yours today!

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