What do I need to do in order to achieve this?
We ask ourselves a version of this question, every day.
“What do I need to do to get to work on time?”
“How am I going to get dinner ready and return this phone call?”
Most days, we do figure out what we need to do to get it done, and we make it happen!
Multiple times over
But why is it so hard to get the project done when it comes to creating?
I’m sorry but I do not have all the answers.
I’m still asking myself, “what do I need to do in order to get this book done?” (over and over again) but here are some thoughts which might help us both!
- Make a list.
Make a list of achievement steps and break them down as far as you can.
Include how much time you would like to allocate to that task.
Things can suddenly seem much more achievable!
For eg.
Step 1: Write 43 extra scenes for the new characters.
I allocate 15 mins each scene. So that is about 11 hours total
If I decide to allocate an hour of each day to write four scenes. I could be done in 11 days! - Make your project smaller. (at least to begin with)
If you have never finished a creative project before, it’s far easier to start small and work your way up.
For example if you want to write a novel-
Start with a short, but complete story, then repeat, and gradually lengthen the stories as you go.
Break the novel down into chapters and outline them, and write a chapter at a time. - Get gathering.
Working with others can give you an outside source of motivation, ideas, encouragement and also accountability. Choose your circle wisely and they will enrich your creativity and productivity immensely. - Believe in yourself.
Others already believe in you, probably more than you do. Take some encouragement out of their book. Repeat some affirmations to yourself, and act like you believe you will achieve it. If you believe that you can achieve the project in 11 days if you prioritise it, you will prioritise it. - Ask yourself why?
Why is this project so important? Is it feeding your curiosity, your ego, or is it serving a better purpose?
Maybe you discover that the reason for the project isn’t as important as the space and freedom you will feel in your mind and heart if you let the project go instead. Yes there may be a bit of grief, but that shouldn’t be a weight if the why is not worth it.
If you remember the why, this can also help you harness the motivation you had for beginning it and use it to help you complete it.
I’m sure there are more great strategies out there, and please when you come across them, send them my way!
Keep creating!
Lauryn xo
