Mike Monday

Inspiration On Demand

Have a Crisis You Can Be Proud Of

It’s a horrible feeling.

Every way you look at the same problem you hit a dead end. You’ve tried everything. No matter how hard you try you just can’t crack it.

At times you thought you were close to a solution, only for it to fall apart. You’re even further away than when you started.

Gradually you feel the fear winning. Before you know it you’re in a state of near panic, and seize up. The urge to give up completely overwhelms you.

Sound familiar?

But the very last thing you should do is give up. Sure, take a break. Don’t give up.

Every time I’ve made a major breakthrough in my life it’s been preceded by a crisis.

I had one yesterday lunchtime. But as I was trying to get to sleep last night I had a major “aha” moment. Then lying there in the dark I worked through everything that had been on my mind. I virtually skipped out of bed this morning. This also happens with my studio work.

A crisis is a sign that you’re about to work it out. And how fast you work it out depends on how you respond to the crisis.

So the next time you start to freak out remember you’re probably losing your marbles because there’s a solution just around the corner.

Don’t panic. Take a break. Think about anything else, but whatever you do, don’t give up.

Have a crisis you can be proud of.

Had the same experience? Does a crisis get you unstuck? Why do you think this is?

How to Turn Your Inner Critic into Your Greatest Asset

Mark McGuinness recently explained why your inner critic is your best friend, but I have a different take on it.

Your inner critic is your most reliable guide of what not to do.

So when that voice in your head says you’ve not got the right tools, use even less. When it thinks you’ve gone too far, go further. And when it tells you it’s not good enough, finish it anyway.

Go wherever you feel the most resistance, because this is where the magic happens.

Because if you’re anything like me, your inner critic is a very nasty piece of work. It will say anything and everything to stop you from doing what you were born to do.

It wants to feel safe. It wants you to be scared. It wants you to stop.

So trust your natural critical faculties. They’ll remain intact even when you’re flying in the face of your inner critic.

In this brave new connected world, the winners are those who are unique. And trust me, your inner critic wants you to do anything but stand out.

One Simple Technique To Beat The Fear And Do Your Art

So now you know what you were born to do, how do you find the strength to face your fear and do your art?

The answer is simple: do it every day.

Without fail, put your time in. No exceptions. 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s writing, performing, running, playing poker or starting a business. Whatever it is, set aside a sacrosanct chunk of time each day for complete devotion to your art. Even ten minutes a day is enough at first. Just do your art every day and give it your all.

When you make a daily commitment like this you turn it into a habit. And habits are hard to break. The Fear doesn’t stand a chance.

Go right now, be your best; do your art.

If you’re inspired that’s brilliant. But if you’re going backwards and wonder why you’re doing this and think you’re not good enough…

…just do it anyway until your time is up. There’s always tomorrow.