- Goethe
Have you ever thought about what makes you do what you do? We are all motivated and moved by different things. We can stay in our comfort zones and just go with the flow, or we can find the courage to take a step forward toward something that speaks to us. We really don't need anyone to encourage or acknowledge us for what we do: the compliments are usually balanced by the criticisms. We need to hear, but we do not need to listen. We know why we are doing what we are doing. Some are so solid and strong that they don't question themselves. They just move along doing whatever it is they desire to do. While others need prompting to start or keep working on a project, even if it is dear to them. Personally, I have no problem being inspired to begin projects; I have problems seeing all of them through to completion as quickly as I'd like. It seems I can never catch-up and finish all of the things I put on my plate. Maybe that is really a safeguard tactic. If I keep adding to my to-do list, then the perfectionist in me (and others) can't judge any of my finished work.
"Little by little, one travels far."
- J.R.R. Tolkien
The only way I have ever accomplished any big task or tedious project was by breaking it down into small, doable steps. Lucky for me, I do find it easy to "see" the desired finished product--I usually know how I want something to end up. Next, I mentally work backward by arranging the necessary steps in order from start to finish. Usually the process of completing whatever it is that I am working on takes quite a bit longer than I would have ever guessed. In all actuality, if I knew beforehand how long something would realistically take to finish, I'd probably never start.
"Brick by brick."
- Red Pollard in Seabiscuit
"Don't brag about your lightening pace, for slow and steady won the race!"
- The Tortoise and the Hare
"I stop every day right at the point where I feel I can write more. Do that, and the next day's work goes surprisingly smooth."
- Haruki Murakami
Most of my adult life has been lived on "indian time." I never heard this expression until a local intuitive healer mentioned it in conversation, a few years back. According to the Native American culture, "indian time" is their way of life. They assume that things will happen when they are supposed to and no sooner. The online Urban Dictionary's definition of indian time states: whenever the spirit moves you.
"Change is not a bolt of lightening that arrives with a zap. It is a bridge built brick by brick, every day, with sweat and humility and slips. It is hard work, and slow work, but it can thrilling to watch it take shape."
- Sarah Hepola
Some would say that if you have a love for a particular hobby, then there should be no need to be coaxed into the act of engaging in it. I disagree. Laziness, fear, and guilt are huge roadblocks. You receive the initial inspiration--the spirit has moved you--yet finding that feeling on a consistent basis to follow-through with your idea is a different thing. Regardless of how divinely inspired you are, it can be a challenge.
"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."
- Thomas Jefferson
I've learned how to "trick" or "bribe" myself into starting a task. Even when we know that we will like the outcome of our action, it can sometimes be hard to begin. For instance, the 1st day of every month, I file all of our papers into their corresponding file folder, envelope, or box. Sometimes I will trick myself by telling myself that I am only going to "sort" the piles. Although once the piles are sorted, I'm in the mode so I continue to the next step. I implemented this routine because some years back, I did not file any papers for about 3 years. Nothing. The torture and time it took me to sort through my family's "life in paper" was excruciating. After experiencing the tedious torment of my past mistake, I vouched to never let that happen again; thus, my 1st of the month routine began. I do not question it. I do not like it, but I do it. I do like how organized all of our papers are; I like that they all have a home.
A routinized game plan can help to make the end results you seek become real. Yet you have to be realistic. You have to be flexible and adjust. There will always be a holiday, birthday, or day off from school to interrupt the flow of your routine. Do your best to gracefully accept these interruptions. Use them to your advantage to replenish and to spend quality time with loved ones. Or to discover something new that could add a neat twist to your work, way of thinking, or perception of life.
"We first make our habits, and then our habits make us."
- John Dryden
Last summer, I made a commitment (with myself) to run outside daily. Not running wasn't an option. Many times I'd put off my run by putzing around the house and finding something else to do; but ultimately, I knew that I was going to run. And for my day to really begin, I had to run so I could take a shower. Of course there were days that I couldn't run for one reason or another, but I'd get back on track as soon as possible. For me, running is now a habit. The experts say that it takes 21 days to fully form a habit, and I agree with them. Some days I look forward to running, while some days I don't. Some runs are energizing and leave me feeling refreshed, while other runs are a struggle and seem to deplete me. I never really know how the run is going to be or end up until I do it. Because I have been blessed with the bliss that can come from exercise mixed with music and emotion, I keep doing it. I am willing to take the chance that the run will be nothing but ordinary, due to the gems that exist on certain days. I show up; and at the universe's will, I get what I get.
"Successful people are those with successful habits."
- Brian Tracy
The same is true for writing or any other endeavor. Artistic projects especially require an unwavering commitment due to the amount of doubt and criticism they seem to attract. We live in a materialistic, logical time; and unless you get paid right away for what you produce, many may see your efforts as a waste of time. If you are to tell someone that you are going into the banking profession, they will most likely congratulate you. And if you are to tell someone that you are going to be a writer, they will most likely pity you (maybe even laugh). The question is: what makes you a "something"? Are you truly only a painter if you are being paid for your work? Or are you a painter because you paint? Some painters want and accept monetary compensation for their work, while others who treat painting as a hobby, may be happy to paint for the sheer joy of it. There is nothing wrong with charging money for a good that your hobby produces if it is valued or adored by another.
"Stress is caused by being here but wanting to be there."
- Eckhart Tolle
This attitude and inner tug-of-war is completely understandable, as I am constantly at battle with myself. I am very right-brained (creative/intuitive) and very left-brained (logical/concrete). Some days my mind wins, while other days my heart wins. Usually a blending of both, or following my gut is what leads me to happiness. When working on any project, you will need to learn how to tune-out your negative mind chatter, certain people, and, at times, the world. See your vision...know it to be possible...and keep swimming. Stay focused on whatever needs to be done now, yet do not lose sight of shore.
"Concerning all acts of initiative or creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too."
- William Hutchinson Murray & Goethe
Some artists may seem to be introverts. They may seem self-centered, distracted, and preoccupied with something abstract. They usually are. They are focusing within trying to relocate the feeling that originally moved them so that they can share and possibly move another. I believe that the artist's true intentions are not completely self-serving. I believe that whatever artistic medium they use is the one they feel comfortable relating to others with. It may be different, but it is their means of communicating and connecting with the outside world. Artists reach deep within and then express their findings to others when they feel they will be useful in some way. The artist's work is actually an offering to another of something that cannot be seen: a feeling. Usually it is a feeling that has made the artist feel alive, but it can also be a solemn human feeling of despair. All feelings need to be valued for what they uniquely offer us: acceptance. The artist's attempt at reaching out and touching another is actually an act of true generosity. The artist puts himself on the line. "The consistent practice of art is a bridge between the self and the world."
- Julia Cameron
Overall, you need to make your desire a priority. When you know that your efforts will benefit another, it's easier to allow yourself to do so. You also need to take a close look at how you live. Are your activities supporting your goals or derailing them? It'd be hard to make it as a marathon runner if you are partying it up every night. Make sure you conserve some energy for doing what you love to do. There's an important reason why you love doing what you love doing.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
- Winston Churchill
With many things, I have found that I need to declare what I ultimately desire--take action or not--and then let go of any attachment to the outcome. The less I care about how something will end up, the more likely it ends up in my favor (even if that's different from what I originally thought I desired). You need to believe that your goal is possible. You need to believe that at your very core, you are deserving. Your goal may take lots of training and effort, yet know that it can be a reality with consistent, measured steps.
"Throughout the hours of the day, whenever you feel stressed and overwhelmed, instead of pushing yourself to work harder and faster, remember to pause."
- Macrina Wiederkehr
"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence."
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