The Beautiful Struggle

Every great creator you admire has been in the thick of it, wondering if they'll make it through. Whether it's a novel, a painting, a room design, or any creative endeavor, there comes a point where it feels impossible.

Our historic home renovation was brutal.  It took forever.  It went over budget.  We had major issues with the contractor, the subs didn’t take care of the property, our neighbors were mad at us.  We moved in a tiny apartment with 3 flights of stairs and  no light and had baby in that apartment.

I remember feeling helpless and frustrated.  I prayed for an end to the uncertainty.  Now it’s been completed for a few years.  I’m glad we did it.

But all worthwhile projects have this - the doubt, the frustration, the feeling of being stuck - it's not a sign something's wrong. It's a sign you're doing meaningful work.

But here's the thing about creative struggles: they're always temporary. Always. At some point, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, or in 2 years -  the project will be over. This phase will pass.

Your mantra should be - At some point,  it will be done and it will be worth it. 

 Let that be your fuel.

Think about the hardest project you've ever finished. There were probably  moments when you thought you could not bear to finish it? And yet here you are, on the other side.

 The doubt is always temporary. The confusion is always temporary. The overwhelm is always temporary.  And the project, as long as you push through a little bit every day, is always temporary.

But what you will always keep is the memory of having pushed through. Of joining that long line of those who faced the void and kept going anyway.

So today, don't focus on doing it perfectly. Don't even focus on doing it well. Just remember: this too shall pass.

And then you'll be done. And being done feels really, really good.