ORIGINALLY POSTED 6/11/2024

 Are you struggling with your creative endeavors? Good! It means you are stepping out of your comfort zone, gathering new information, learning new skills, practicing your craft, and growing in your mastery. Struggling with a new task, as frustrating as it is, is necessary to achieving creative flow. This struggle is a precursor to the state of mind many creatives aim to reach while working on a project.Many of us have heard of the term "flow." This concept, popularized by Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1960s, is defined as being completely immersed in a task. It is a state of complete focus, concentration, and a loss of awareness of self and time.Struggling with a creative task is crucial for inducing flow because the brain must be challenged. If a project is too easy, one will get bored and lose interest, which is not conducive to achieving a flow state. So, how do you overcome the struggle and center yourself to allow a flow-like state?

1. Practice, Practice, PracticePracticing your craft can help you achieve flow. If your project is too hard, you may become frustrated, hindering your ability to focus and reach the mental state required for flow. Flow is a balance between skill and challenge.

2. Set Goals for YourselfSet step-by-step goals for your project. This will give you a clearer idea of what you want to achieve from your project. Remember, flow is about the process, not the immediate outcome.

3. Create an Optimal WorkspaceClear your space of distractions, including electronic devices. If possible, put your phone in a separate room. Only keep the necessary tools within reach to get the job done.

4. Get Out of Your Own WayStop the negative chatter in your head. Allow yourself to feel a little uncomfortable and recognize that this discomfort is where growth comes from. If you're struggling with positive self-talk, try some affirmations for creatives. (Free download here). Or give yourself an easy creative project that will assist you in mastering your skill build up your confidence and move forward. (Check out our Life Is Art: 52 Art Prompts for motivation)

Struggling with your creative endeavors is a natural and necessary part of the journey towards achieving flow. Embrace the challenge and recognize that each moment of frustration is a step towards mastery. By practicing consistently, setting clear goals, creating an optimal workspace, and overcoming self-doubt, you can transform struggle into growth. Remember, the discomfort you feel is a sign of progress, pushing you out of your comfort zone and into new realms of creativity. Apply these principles not just to your artistic projects, but to all areas of your life, and watch as you unlock new levels of focus, productivity, and fulfillment. Keep pushing forward, and let the struggle lead you to your next creative breakthrough.