Jan 15, 2020
Losing Momentum on a Creative Project? Here’s How to Get it Back ASAP
My momentum killers and what I do to combat them
When you start something new — new diet, new relationship, new business, new job — you’re ecstatic.
You’re excited to wake up in the mornings, you’re excited to spend weekends with your significant other, and you’re excited to be making progress in your career…because the thrill of new is what keeps you going.
That feeling of newness is fleeting, though.
When the high is over, you have to work for that excitement which came so easily to you at first. And while that’s not nearly as fun (hello, it’s work we’re talking about), you have to do it if you want your new business or new relationship or new body to last.
Here are 3 common momentum killers that creatives face, and the subsequent secrets to getting your groove back when you feel like you’ve lost it.
Happy creating.
#1 Momentum killer — feeling alone in your creative journey
The secret to combatting loneliness? Ask industry people for help.
Writing a book is deeply introspective, and that introspection can quickly turn to feelings of loneliness and despair — IF you go at it alone, that is. I assume the same is true for building a business or starting a podcast or creating an online store.
Starting anything new alone is lonely.
The minute I started reaching out to authors, editors, personal branding experts and designers for help, I got it. It took some digging to find the right people, but once I did, I no longer felt alone. I felt excited again. AND, having other people on my team keeps me accountable.
Scheduling phone calls and in-person meetings changed the game from I’m writing a book to I’m preparing this book to actually exist outside of my MacBook.
Takeaway: If you’re starting something new, you can’t go at it alone. Find your people.
#2 Momentum killer — feeling uninspired to create
The secret to getting re-inspired? Explore new terrain.
Inspiration isn’t something that just happens. It’s sparked from interesting people, intriguing conversations and stimulating environments.
For me, this looks like going to new bookstores, new coffee shops and new neighborhoods. I’ll throw in striking up conversation with strangers and cooking new dishes for good measure. These are small (and practical and free!) ways to get out of your head and focus on other people and other things, which, ironically, brings you back to that creative flow state.
Takeaway: Shake things up. Wear something new and daring, plan a staycation with someone who makes you laugh, hit up a new fitness studio, and get dinner at a trendy place in town with someone you love.
#3 Momentum killer — forgetting why you’re creating in the first place
The secret to remembering? Listen to a really good podcast and/or take time to reevaluate why your project or business is important to you and the people you’re serving.
Gaining new perspectives on business and life is necessary for your professional and personal growth. We know this. But are we doing it? If you’re having a hard time focusing on the value you’re offering, sometimes you just need someone outside of your circle to tell you what’s up.
The easiest way to do that (in my opinion) is listening to actually helpful podcasts that will point you in the right direction — and if you have time — reading incredible books.
My go-to podcasts are Being Boss, SimplyBe., and The Art of Making Things Happen.
Takeaway: When we’re in the midst of creating, we have to remind ourselves that it isn’t all about us. Getting wrapped up in how many followers we have isn’t serving the community of people we’re trying to reach.
In sum, when you stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about other people, everything gets better.
Conclusion
Being a creative, just like being anything or anyone else, has serious perks and serious pitfalls.
Keep your creative game strong by seeking knowledge through every outlet you can think of — people, places, food, books, movies, podcasts and adventures.
Thanks for reading!
Have an idea for a story you want me to write about? Email me! ashley.lauren.alt@gmail.com.
