Have a Crisis You Can Be Proud Of
It’s a horrible feeling.
Every way you look at the same problem you hit a dead end. You’ve tried everything. No matter how hard you try you just can’t crack it.
At times you thought you were close to a solution, only for it to fall apart. You’re even further away than when you started.
Gradually you feel the fear winning. Before you know it you’re in a state of near panic, and seize up. The urge to give up completely overwhelms you.
Sound familiar?
But the very last thing you should do is give up. Sure, take a break. Don’t give up.
Every time I’ve made a major breakthrough in my life it’s been preceded by a crisis.
I had one yesterday lunchtime. But as I was trying to get to sleep last night I had a major “aha” moment. Then lying there in the dark I worked through everything that had been on my mind. I virtually skipped out of bed this morning. This also happens with my studio work.
A crisis is a sign that you’re about to work it out. And how fast you work it out depends on how you respond to the crisis.
So the next time you start to freak out remember you’re probably losing your marbles because there’s a solution just around the corner.
Don’t panic. Take a break. Think about anything else, but whatever you do, don’t give up.
Have a crisis you can be proud of.
Had the same experience? Does a crisis get you unstuck? Why do you think this is?
The Creative Process | tagged Motivation, The Fear, crisis
Reader Comments (4)
Your words are like manna from Heaven. So encouraging, so positive and determined!
Although I'm not in the music business, just a novice writer (currently writing my first novel), your advice applies to me greatly, as well.
For instance, recently you told us to pay good attention to 'the first listen' of our created piece, so that we can hear it from the audience's point. This is so true in writing as well; a written piece has to be put in a fridge for a day or so, and then take it out, and read it somewhat 'dispassionately' as if written by someone else. It not only reveals some weaknesses/strengths, but often gives us a new perspective.
... but in my case, I'm often disgusted by the worse-than-expected standard of my piece.
SO THAT'S WHY YOUR WORDS ARE THE SAVIOUR!! Yes, Mike, I shall never give up on my dream!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, AS EVER!!
And thank you so much - it's very gratifying to have a writer enjoying and getting value from my writing!
Don't be disgusted or surprised when your work is beneath your expectations. Realising it's worse than you'd expected just means you know what you're doing and beating yourself up is a waste of valuable energy. :)
Been having one of these crisis times for the last couple of days. Your post is just in the nick of time! Damnit gotta get through this!
Glad my post came at the right time!
I hate the crises I have but I believe that they are just a necessary part of working something big or difficult out...
Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll get there James.