Staying Focused When on the Verge of Giving Up on a Creative Project
Creative projects are often journeys of self-expression and growth. The moments of doubt are a natural part of the process. The weight of self-doubt can make the project feel overwhelming. You might convince yourself that you’re not capable of handling the challenges, leading to thoughts of giving up. The enthusiasm you initially had can be replaced by a sense of hopelessness. Also self-doubt can create a fear of failure. You might worry that your project won’t meet your own standards or the expectations of others. This fear of falling short can discourage you from moving forward. Here’s a few thoughts that I found useful to navigate giving up and staying focused.
- Embracing fear of failure. Being aware of fear or failure accepting it is a necessary step when pursuing self-expression projects. Amidst rejections and setbacks, remembering that these experiences are part of the journey. As Francis Chan said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure … but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” Chan’s insight directs our attention to the bigger picture. The true fear is not failure itself, but succeeding in areas that are not significant to us. Accept that fear of failure is normal. Being aware of it and being okay with it can empower you to persevere.
- keeping doing what you don’t like doing: Persisting through tasks you find unenjoyable is a principle, rooted in aligning actions with personal values and integrity. The power of being a function of values, not of impulses to act with integrity. The WHY is strong enough to make you form the habit of doing things they don’t like to do in order to accomplish the purpose they want to accomplish.
- Tap into your right brain and reconnect to the big why: why you are doing this to start with. Reconnect with your creative project’s purpose by tapping into your right brain. Shift your perspective and focus on your initial motivation — the “big why” behind your project. By reconnecting with this purpose and switching to the right brain, you enhance your ability to concentrate on your project and the intended impact you hope to make.
Remembering, creative expression is not just about the final creation — it’s a journey of evolution. Doubt is a part of this journey, often making you question your path and contemplate giving up. However, staying focused in the face of doubt is crucial for turning your creative vision into reality. Fear, setbacks, and rejections are the raw materials that pave the path of your growth. Accepting that fear of failure is normal. Being aware of it and being okay with it can empower you.
