>Is there a creative project that you just never seem to get to? Maybe writing a book or painting? Gay Hendricks, PhD, author of The Big Leap, one of my favorite books, believes that our biggest obstacle in embracing such pursuits is more of an inner block than a scheduling problem. He recommends first taking a close look at whether you are actually willing to experience as much happiness and satisfaction as your heart desires. Then stop relegating your dream to someday and start working on it today.
Some barriers to overcome are:
1. Feeling unworthy
2. Fear of failure
3. Fear of success
4. Not wanting to seem strange
5. Start-itis (Simply don’t know where or how to begin)
Start by affirming your worthiness. Affirm to yourself that it’s ok to be both prosperous and happy.
Start small by committing to just 10 minutes per day to work on a creative project. Once you start, you’ll desire more time and find yourself able to do this.
Create goals and benchmarks. Set a deadline for finishing a portion of your project. Working towards a date is a great way to keep the energy moving forward. If you don’t make the deadline, change the date. Also use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Noticed what happened and ask yourself why. There is always a lot to learn from challenges like this.
Redefine what matters to you. The best way to integrate anything new into your already hectic and overbooked life is to make it a priority. Place it higher on the to-do list, above the everyday items that need to get done. Try getting up earlier to make it the first activity that you complete for the day.
Recommit often. When you fall off, get back on the schedule. Hendricks says “It’s like learning to ski or ride a bicycle; falling and getting back up are part of the process.”
Experience Life magazine November 2011
