In my last post I shared the 5 Creative Stages training which is a part of the ‘Your Creative Work’ program coming to Spark Your Being this fall.
In that post there is one particular type of Creative that I mentioned — and that I want to spend more time on here. This type of Creative is …
The Creative Fence Sitter!
The Creative Fence Sitter has a great idea. Knows she is creative and that her soul is yearning to express it but she is also … STUCK!
- Playing small
- Procrastinating
- Confused
- Overwhelmed
- Frustrated
She has one foot in and one foot out of the creative life she wants so desperately to be living. She is constantly thinking about her creativity but isn’t able to make that next step.
She can’t jump over that fence and move into her creative action — her creative purpose.
Now I’m sure that the Creative Fence Sitter is probably someone that you recognize … maybe she’s even reflecting your own struggle with creativity. So what do you do if that’s the case?
1. Stop.
What is that next step that you need to take?
2. Think.
Write it down on paper. Don’t let that step dissolve into thin air or get lost in the shuffle.
3. Break.
Take that one huge, overwhelming step and break it down into into 5 smaller steps.
I’ll give you an illustration of how this looks:
Take that one step and break it down. Perhaps you want to start podcasting, and your first step in your podcasting project is to decide where you will host it … well, that step is a BIG step that might send you into procrastination or confusion. The remedy? Break it down smaller, more manageable pieces.
For example, you can do some brainstorming around it, journal, create a list of pros and cons, do some online research, and ask other people with podcasting experience. Each one of those things becomes an action item . (And the truth is, that some of those can be broken down even further … )
And these are only a few ideas of how you can break down that huge, too-big step. Then, choose one of those smaller action items and do it! Pick the step that seems easiest, and get support if you need it.
As my Hand Analysis Mentor Pamelah Landers always says …
“The next step is the easy step.”
Why? Because there is ease in the logical progression!
A sunflower doesn’t go from seed to a 10-foot-tall bloom overnight. First the seed cracks open a bit. Then the root begins to poke out, then the sprout. Then you start to see the tiny little leaves emerge from the sprout. (See, small baby-steps is the way to go!)
If you’re stuck, it’s probably time to break down that overwhelming step into smaller bits.
And remember to give yourself credit for every step you take, no matter how small or insignificant it seems. Because breaking it down smaller, manageable, achievable steps is awesome! It’s how you gain momentum and get things done. It changes your whole creative process into one that’s more effective, productive, and satisfying.
October 4, 2016 @ 6:37 pm
Thanks! Sounds simple, but I can see how this could reel amazing results.
October 8, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
You’re welcome! And yes …it can be simple. It only takes one small step to get off the fence. We usually minimize those small steps, thinking they aren’t going to make any difference. But they are ALL the difference between moving forward and staying stuck. Whenever I get stuck, I break it down because I know I’m trying to take too big of a leap.
All the best in all your small steps, Jean Marie!