There are those times when you’re struggling with a project and there are other times when you’re filled with anxiety over others finally critiquing what you’ve worked so hard on.
Then there are those times when you’re doing nothing. Absolutely nothing and you’re starting to realize that you haven’t done much of anything for quite a while. Then you start thinking you may never do anything again.
The biggest problem is that doing nothing, to be honest, can be incredibly comfortable. All that time your creative projects ate up, the times with your friends and loved ones that you missed out on because you were working, that noticeable increase in stress. All of that being gone may wash over you in a very pleasant wave that makes you think you can take an extended vacation from your art.
And maybe you can. You could very well need that for your own self-care and mental health. Art, like anything else, may be doing you more harm than good. But if the reason you haven’t started working again is because it’s just been too long and it seems too difficult, try the following out to see if they can help you get back into the creative swing of things:
Start Small
Miniscule. Barely a blip. The reason you aren’t climbing the mountain again is because you’re staring at the peak. You may start sweating before you take the first step, remembering the long, hard road you are deciding to start on again. So first off focus on a kid-sized project that relates to your interests. Something that can be finished after a couple hours in a week. Don’t even let yourself try for something big. Put the training wheels back on and starting again will be much smoother.
Track Your Progress
If you are going to feel like you are trying your hand at a project again, you need some level of proof that you’re actually doing it. Keep a calendar to track your progress, no matter how small. When you look up and see a month of days with tiny steps towards a goal you’ll feel even that much more compelled to keep going.
Don’t Tell Anyone
Much like how you shouldn’t be talking your ideas to death, don’t also start telling everyone you’re getting back into focusing on a project. Usually, when someone does that, it means that they don’t feel they have the confidence yet and are hoping someone else’s enthusiasm will push them over the top. The simple truth is that you need to be in this 100% regardless of anyone else. Whatever the reasons that pushed you out of working on your art in the first place, you’re the only one who can pull yourself back in. Get back on the creative horse, starting now.
