Inspiration Fridays! How do you plan for a break?
How do you plan for a break?
I quit the other day. I threw in the towel, and then jumped in after it. I’ve got a myriad of responsibilities and commitments to keep, and the due date for them all… is yesterday.
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” – Banksy
It can’t possibly get it all done. My towel is threadbare and I just can’t squeeze out enough time.
And so, mopping my weary brow, I sit down and stare blankly at my phone. I head straight to the inspirational quotes on Instagram and promptly binge on their not-too-gentle reminders that the only way to succeed is to:
get up earlier,
work harder,
do more,
go against the grain,
stand alone,
and win at all costs.
I towel-whip myself into a glassy-eyed stupor. Sometimes, this can be the kick in the pants that I need, but for the most part, I end up feeling less than, and lazy. After all, I’m the one sitting on the couch scrolling through their inspirational quotes. Does anyone actually live up to these standards? And if so, how much kale do I need in my smoothie?
When comparing ourselves to the success zealots who permeate our worldview with empty rhetoric and shallow encouragements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes the big ideas can feel too big. Try drawing out a few little thumbnails. The stage is set for a win when you get back.
So,(after you’re done reading this inspiration of course) put down your phone, close your laptop, and step away from your desk (or get off the couch). Instead of feeling like you have to do it all, create room for a “strategic break”. If the thought of creating a show, or even your next piece feels overwhelming, then that goal is too big for now. Set yourself up for the next small step, and walk away.
One of the biggest hurdles we have to get over as artists is STARTING. With our busy lives, any little impediment can trip us up. If our paints aren’t out, we don’t have a canvas, or we haven’t come up with a design, the whole thing can come screaming to a halt. We show up with good intentions but can still be derailed by a litany of details. The best way to take a break is to set yourself up for action. Clean off your workspace, and get your tools out, then walk away. If we make a practice of quitting with intention, it gives us the energy to return.