Stuck in the Middle With You

Well I don't know why I came here tonight
I've got the feeling that something ain't right
I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair
And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs

Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am stuck in the middle with you

Stuck in the Middle with You

—Song by Stealers Wheel

Link to song: https://youtu.be/ln7Vn_WKkWU

Creatives talk a lot about process. We are interested in the process. True. But let’s face it, the end result ain’t nothing to sneeze at. So how do we stay motivated when we are knee-deep in something long-term so we can enjoy a satisfying result? How do we continue to show up when we feel Stuck in the Middle like the guy in the song.

Relaxation:

  • Working on a creative project we are passionate about can be relaxing despite physical demands, problem solving, and overcoming interruptions. Changing the label from working to relaxing can change my attitude on how I approach my long-term project.

  • Being focused on an engaging project allows me to shut out distractions and escape into a world of my own making, lowering my stress level. Doing my creative thing relaxes my soul and my brain.

Rewards:

  • Rewarding ourselves for completing tasks is a great motivation tool to keep going.

  • Be the best boss you’ve never had! Encourage your worker-self. Treating yourself like a valued creator is more beneficial than shaming or blaming yourself or you work for not being enough.

  • Give yourself a raise every time you conquer another challenge. Pay yourself in chocolate, a guilt free Netflix binge, or whatever feels like a just reward. You and your work deserve it.

  • Applaud your successes. Share your milestones with your safe and supportive friends.

The rewards of working on a creative task are vast. Feel-good chemicals (endorphins, serotonin and dopamine) flood the brain during the creative process. The flow of dopamine can actually motivate you to do more. Research shows that tackling a creative project reduces anxiety and depression, helps process trauma and can even boost your immune system.  

Does your work feel relaxing and not like work? Can you use that idea to help you show up at your work site consistently in the long-term, knowing that once you get going you won’t mind being there?

Do you reward yourself and your efforts for your large and small accomplishments?

Next in the Series: Does Your Routine Produce Results?