“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.”
~ Roy T. Bennett
Reflection:
TL;DR: Anxiety, when allowed to shift perspective (and not just be a nagging thorn in our side) can be a powerful ally in motivation and creativity.
My anxiety presents itself as procrastination. It’s not uncommon. When I get overwhelmed I shut down. Unfortunately it’s a cycle that I am currently working through, and it doesn’t matter what I have in front of me. If there is a mountain ahead I’m often not “motivated” enough to scale it, I lie down in front of it and binge true crime documentaries and The Good Place.
This is a situation where I often have trouble taking my own advice. If someone were to present me with the same challenge do you know what I would tell them?
“Anxiety is just energy that needs to go somewhere, so find somewhere to put it! It doesn’t need to be on the thing (or things) you are overwhelmed with, but a smaller creative project might assist in releasing some of that pressure. Then, I imagine, you will find that your energy returns…even if it’s just a small amount of it. Then take that mountain step by step! You got this!”
Thanks, Coach Michael.
Anxious Michael will take that advice.
Anxiety, often perceived as a creativity killer, can surprisingly act as a powerful motivator and ally. While chronic and overwhelming anxiety can be debilitating, a moderate level of anxious energy can propel you to new heights.
Oh, and by the way, EVERYONE is creative. Don’t think for one minute that this doesn’t apply to you because you don’t put brush to canvas, write, or happen to play an instrument. Hopefully after reading this you might come to understand the complex interplay between anxiety and creativity, how anxiety can act as a catalyst for focus, innovation, and perseverance, and how we might find those little moments of creativity to break us out of those frozen moments of procrastination when we are overwhelmed.
Here are some benefits to anxiety, if we are able to reposition our attitude towards it.
Firstly, anxiety can heighten focus and concentration. The worried mind, constantly scanning for potential problems, can become laser-focused on the task at hand. This can be particularly beneficial in the initial stages of creative exploration, where we might grapple with blank canvases or stare down unfilled pages. Anxious energy provides a necessary push to overcome inertia and dive into the creative process.
Secondly, anxiety can fuel innovation. The fear of failure or inadequacy can drive individuals to seek out unconventional solutions and explore uncharted territories. They may experiment with new techniques, challenge established norms, and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. This anxious drive to impress or avoid disappointment can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and unconventional approaches in various creative fields.
Thirdly, anxiety can foster perseverance. The nagging feeling that "it's not good enough" can keep us engaged and working on our craft, whatever that might be!
It fuels the relentless pursuit of perfection, pushing us to refine our work and overcome creative hurdles. While this can be exhausting, it can also lead to a deeper exploration of ideas and a more polished final product.
I am not trying to outline the cloud of anxiety in silver, in excessive and consistent amounts anxiety can be paralyzing and lead to self-doubt, extreme frustration, and might require medical/psychological intervention.
The key lies in finding a balance and asking for help when you need it.
Cultivating a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning can help us channel our anxiety into productive energy. Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques can also be valuable tools for managing overwhelming anxiety and fostering a more sustainable creative flow.
The truth is, anxiety is a complex emotion with a surprising role in the creative process. While it can be a double-edged sword, harnessing its motivating potential can lead to heightened focus, innovative solutions, and unwavering perseverance. By understanding and managing this anxious energy, we can unlock its power to fuel the journey ahead and achieve remarkable feats of imagination.
Intention:
Today, I will greet my anxiety with curiosity, not fear. I will use its energy to fuel my focus and creativity. I will acknowledge my worries, but I will not let them control me. By taking a breath and trusting my abilities, I will transform anxiety into a positive force in my day.
Meditation:
Embracing the Wave of Anxiety
Close your eyes, or soften your gaze if you prefer. Take a few deep breaths, feeling your belly rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. Settle into a comfortable position, becoming aware of your body against the chair or floor.
Imagine yourself standing on a calm beach. The gentle waves lap at the shore, the sun warms your skin, and a cool breeze carries the scent of salt air. As you stand there, you notice a wave approaching in the distance. It's a little larger than the others, and as it gets closer, you recognize a familiar feeling – a wave of anxiety.
Observe the wave without judgment. Notice the physical sensations it brings – a tightening in your chest, perhaps, or a fluttering in your stomach. Acknowledge the thoughts that may arise – worries about the future, doubts about yourself, or fears of failure.
Now, take a deep breath and feel your body like the anchor on the beach. This wave of anxiety may be powerful, but you are not defined by it. You are the vast ocean, calm and deep beneath the surface.
As the wave reaches its peak, feel the intensity for a moment. But remember, waves don't stay at their peak forever. They crest and begin to recede.
Visualize this wave of anxiety starting to curl back on itself. Feel the tension in your body begin to ease with each exhale. The thoughts may linger for a while, like foam on the shore, but they too will eventually fade.
As the wave recedes, feel the calmness return. You are still standing on the beach, the sun warm on your skin, the breeze carrying the scent of salt air. You are grounded, present, and ready to face whatever comes next.
Take a few more deep breaths, integrating this experience. When you feel ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the sense of calm and awareness with you throughout your day.
Remember: Anxiety is a natural human emotion. By acknowledging it with curiosity and using calming techniques like mindful breathing, you can learn to navigate its waves and emerge feeling stronger and more resilient.
Cultivation:
Here are 3 keys to cultivating creative moments.
Start small: Commit to a short creative session each day, even if it's just 15 minutes. Consistency is key to building a creative habit.
Find a creative buddy: Partner with a friend or join an online community to share your work and provide mutual encouragement.
Morning pages: Start your day with a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise. Write whatever comes to mind for a set amount of time, allowing your subconscious to guide you. Start small and write for 5 minutes
Appreciation:
We are most overwhelmed with anxiety when it is coupled with the feeling of a loss of control. Is it possible to regain even a small of element of that control? Perhaps. We may be able to reframe anxiety with gratitude. Here are some thoughts…
Anxiety can push me beyond my comfort zone, revealing a hidden reservoir of resilience and resourcefulness.
When gripped by worry, I can become laser-focused on details, a skill I can leverage for focused work in calmer states.
Anxiety reminds me to prioritize my well-being. It prompts me to seek out activities and tools that promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Anxiety can distort my thinking. By acknowledging its presence, I learn to question my fears and cultivate a more objective perspective.
Understanding my own anxiety allows me to be more empathetic towards others struggling with similar challenges.
These lessons, though born from discomfort, have helped me grow and become a stronger, more well-rounded individual.
Thank you, anxiety, for being a challenging yet valuable teacher on my life's journey.