When you work in any creative field (or any field at all, really), it can be easy to start comparing yourself to those around you. It’s easier than ever to do this, since you have access to the lives of your peers, and of people thousands of miles away via social media. Do you find yourself getting caught up on what you’re not doing or what you aren’t accomplishing? This can create a negative headspace that stunts your creativity and productivity. So, how can you avoid this spiraling feeling? Start by setting your own standards for productivity and evaluating them on your own terms.
Compare You to You, Without Judgement
If you look at what others have and how they present themselves all the time, you’ll never be satisfied with the work you’re doing. It’s important to seek out inspiration and influence, but you shouldn’t let these things stop you from doing what you love. Instead of comparing yourself to others, try to compare you to you. That means evaluating how you’re working and what kind of work you’re creating based on your own standards. Do you feel good today? Do you feel creative? If not, why not? Being able to troubleshoot your own mood can help you move past creative slumps.
Set Your Own Standards for Success, and Evaluate Them
Some say that setting lofty goals is important — “Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, at least you’ll land amongst the stars.” By all means, you should dream big, but it’s important to be able to evaluate your own standards. Set goals and standards for yourself, but take stock of whether or not you’re able to reach them. If you’re constantly falling short of your own standards, it could be a reflection of your work or behavior, or it could be a sign that you hold yourself to too high a standard. If you view your own work as a failure all the time, you can create your own self esteem issues!
It’s Okay to Have Some Down Time
When you think about creativity and productivity, it’s easy to develop an unhealthy mentality that causes you to push forward all the time. It’s okay to take some down time for yourself! Not every season will be a flourish of creativity and productivity. Don’t forget to give yourself a break from time to time. If you never allow for a slowdown, you’ll always feel like you’re coming up short of your own standards. Again, this can create more problems than it solves, so be kind to yourself.
Start Your Creative Venture at Dunn Brothers Coffee
Whether you’re in the thick of a creative enterprise, or you just need some quiet time to yourself, Dunn Brothers Coffee is here. Our inviting, comfortable environment was built to help you do whatever you need to do right now. Plus, we have an amazing selection of fresh-roasted coffees on hand. Learn more about our offerings by contacting Dunn Brothers Coffee in Coralville, IA at 319-665-2020.