Entrepreneurial Holiday Guilt for Creative Professionals
For the last few weeks, I've been feeling more and more of a desire to take on a new project. A project I have yet to fully commit myself too. This is not unusual. It's quite common for creative professionals regularly to be in the midst of building something that they haven't quite figured out yet, or struggling with how or if it's really feasible. You see, my biggest struggle has always been "I don't know what I want to do, but I know it when I see it."
So, in that I have been feeling a consistent urge for something new and creative to take on. Something to stretch me and grow me. A project that would be fun, but also meaningful. A project that could potentially benefit someone else as much as it could benefit myself.
The problem is that everything is just so darn cold outside! Really? It's December! What's with this weather? Polar vortexes create the perfect conditions for creative juices to go into hibernation for the next 6 months or so. I know that this is a common problem for creative professionals, "I have so many ideas, but I just don't feel creative enough to get anything done."
This is where the Entrepreneurial Holiday Guilt kicks in. The more you create, the more opportunities and resources are created to create new and better things. The more you do, the more people that want to do it. The more you give, the more it gives back to yourself. But still...we are all human and we can often find ways of not doing something that maybe we should do in order to be productive or happy or both. Doesn't this make us lazy?
The truth is that I am guilty of this. My most recent project is to not pursue any new endeavors this December. This is because I've got a bad case of Entrepreneurial Holiday Guilt. My problem with starting a new project is the problem of "What if I fail?" Sure, I could fail, but that's not really so bad. Failure is just another step in the learning process and honestly, it's as good or sometimes better as not doing anything at all.
I've been thinking quite a bit lately about how to manage my feelings of guilt and anxiety when I have an idea that appeals to me and then moves beyond being an idea in my head into being an idea that's going to be built by me (or someone else).
I don't know that I've ever shared this before and I'm not certain the world needs another listing of possible solutions, but here's what I've come up with:
"Just Do It!" - This is the option that is my instinctual response. The urge to just start something immediately without even thinking about if it's doable or if it's a good idea. And you know, in many ways this can be really useful. However, I know that it can sometimes lead to some serious problems. If left unchecked this drive can become overwhelming and cause paralysis by analysis or a severe case of Entrepreneurial Holiday Guilt.
"Think It Through" - This is the option of slowing yourself down. Thinking things through. Really analyzing if this is something that you want to do and if it's even feasible. While I don't often have time for this method, I think it's great for anyone that does and I highly recommend it for anyone that has a tendency towards anxiety disorders or obsessive compulsive tendencies. If you can just take some time to slow down, look at your idea from different angles, make a plan, then execute the plan -you'll be in good shape.
"Don't Do It Yet" - This is my recommendation to myself and everyone else. Perhaps our first instinct isn't always the best one to go with. I know that when I'm feeling the urge to take on a new project, the answer isn't always "NO!" Sometimes that's exactly what I need to do. Sometimes I have to just put down my ideas and walk away from them for a while. This is healthy, not just because I may need more time or more information, but also because it encourages me to keep things flexible and open ended.
"Team up with your friends" - Maybe you know someone else who's interested in taking on a new project. Maybe two people could split the work and benefit equally from one anothers' skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Maybe you have some buddies that would be pretty excited to help you out with a new project. The possibilities are endless and I believe that this is one of the best ways to not just take on an idea, but also to be able to manage it effectively.
Does anyone else have any good entrepreneurial holiday guilt tips? I would love to hear them!
About the Author: Heather is an artist based in San Francisco who enjoys the art behind fashion and is curious about anything that inspires her creativity. She works with her team at Zola to create designs for the fashion industry, but is passionate about design in general.
About the Performer: Andy Griffiths has been writing books since he was 8 years old. In short, he's dedicated. He's currently working on his third book, a collection of short stories and illustrations (and some music) entitled What If? Finding Balance and Joy in the Everyday World of Children. He also likes watching things float and just feels great whenever he can help people feel great too.
"The thing I've come to believe that I want to be most is an author. That's a difficult thing to be, but it's what I want." – Andy Griffiths, Creator of the Happy Times Series
You can find more of Andy and his work here: http://andrewgriffiths.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfIYEXZPYs&feature=youtu.be
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Conclusion? You have a lot of options when it comes to taking on a new project. The most important thing is to find what works for you—what fits your personality the best and will help you get the most out of your life.Don't let holiday guilt or anxiety run your life. Take some time off if you need it, otherwise just keep working at being awesome! And if you ever want to talk about how to take on a project, please feel free to reach out and I'd love to give you all the help I can!Remember - it's okay be happy and it's okay be productive! If that's not okay with someone else then their loss is not your burden.