Lots of things happened since Friday, and some of them have made me want to crawl into a hole for a while. I want to quit, at least temporarily. There will be more of the story on Friday, but I’m willing to bet that you know this feeling well. Creatives, in general, tend to be very sensitive people, easily having a problem send them into a tailspin. A tailspin which not all creatives recover from…I’ve very nearly been there too.
Fortunately, Momma never raised no quitter, so here I am, ensuring that you guys get a post on Monday. Even though I’d much rather hide under the covers and sleep the week away at least. So I’m going to share some tips that are keeping me going. Now keep in mind this is a different “want to quit” then when it is actually time to say goodbye to a project.
Tips For Not Quitting
Breathe
The first step is to breathe, slow and deep. Discouragement and other emotions can also cause panic and anxiety, without you even realizing it. Breathing intentionally will help pause that reaction, and clear your brain of some of the chatter. This allows you to start thinking clearer, allowing you to plan out how you are going to deal with this issue, rather than react blindly.
Put On Some Music
Whatever you like, music can help us get past the emotional quit. I listen to a little bit of everything, but I tend to go with more hard rock and heavy metal when I’m feeling discouraged and ready to quit. Currently, I’m listening to Manowar. Good stuff right there. Music works miracles for nearly any emotional situation, so pick something that uplifts you. I chose hard rock/heavy metal because of the messages of the songs are typically about picking yourself up and doing what needs to be done in some fashion. Then I switch to more energizing music, like Bruno Mars. Uptown Funk anyone? Put on anything that speaks to you – even if it’s not your typical choice. I don’t know all the brain science behind how music affects your brain, I just know it works.
Accept That You Want To Quit Right Now
Accepting how you feel is the first step to overcoming it. Accept that you feel like you want to quit right now. It’s okay to feel that way, you just don’t want to actually quit or dwell in it. Give yourself some time to really feel the feeling, then look beyond to your actual desires. Emotions distract and send us off track most of the time.
Just Start
Starting on something refocuses your brain, and helps get rid of the feeling of wanting to quit. It also tends to remind you what you love about whatever it is you’re doing. Cause you love what you’re doing, right? Sometimes love feels a lot like work, so shake it off and get a move on! Just 5 minutes can get your moving in the right direction again…and leave the desire to quit far behind.
Sleep On It
When all else fails (though you should be raring to go at this point) just sleep on it. Sleep resets the brain, which automatically helps your mood – the more tired you are, the harder it’s going to be to shake your mood. Lack of sleep may even be the reason behind your current want to quit. Tiredness can lower your mood like no one’s business, so make sure you are getting adequate amounts of sleep every night.
There are many ways to beat the feeling of wanting to quit. What are some of your favorite ways?
