This is a guest post from Tracy of Billy & Co. Her journey on Peace & Projects began here.
Well, it finally happened.
I am in “that” place. You know the one – you had an awesome idea, got started on the project, took the first steps, had some success, worked really hard, but lately – you’re bored. You’re lazy. You don’t feel like working on the project anymore. You find excuses not to.
But wait! you say. This is your Amazing Work. How can you possibly be bored with it?
I’ll tell you: human nature. Deep in my soul, I know this is what I want to be doing. But after months of making jewelry everyday, setting up art shows alone, creating custom necklaces, contacting a local store owner about selling my jewelry – whew! I’m just feeling drained. The thought of picking up my pliers doesn’t feel amazing. It just feels like plain old work.
So, I decided to take a month off. January is my month of renewal and rejuvenation. I’m taking the month to declutter and organize my home and create a studio. Yes, a studio – not a “spare bedroom” or a “craft room.” A studio that is inspiring and best of all, functional. A place to let my creativity breathe. (Check back next month for the before/after photos.)
As I’ve been drawing up plans for my studio, I feel that old excitement and anticipation flooding back. As I draft a design for an inspiration board, I find myself reaching for paper to sketch a necklace idea. As I scour blogs for photos, I stumble across a tutorial on how to make sterling silver rings.
I’ve realized that, while sometimes you have to force yourself to keep going, sometimes it is just as important to give yourself a break; to step back and give your creativity a chance to refresh itself. To give your muse a coffee break.
As excited as I am to create again, I’m holding back until February. The anticipation is almost unbearable. And you know what? The boredom and laziness I felt is melting away to reveal a new season of Amazing Work.
For me, it’s almost spring.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m feeling kind of the same with my work. Perhaps I need to have a break and focus on other things. I sometimes wonder why we are created having the attribute of boredom.
@ Walter – I think we get bored so we do exactly what you said – focus on something else for a while. Stretch.
Thanks for the comment!
I think that sometimes a little boredom is a good thing – it helps spur us on to bigger and better things (think about it: if I hadn’t gotten bored doing the same thing every day at my office job, I might never have decided to pursue my amazing work!) It’s also a good reminder to take a break, like Missy said: I notice that sometimes if I push myself to keep working when I’m bored, my ideas become poorer and poorer. Boredom reminds me to refresh and take a step back!
@ Tracy – right on!
can’t wait to see the before and after pics!
I know! Its going to be cool.