Recharging Your Batteries

August 2, 2010

Creatives often find themselves struggling to progress and push themselves to the next level. We find ourselves constantly experiencing the rollercoaster of design emotion. The highs and lows of being a designer can be taxing on our minds and bodies as we experience satisfied clients to annoyance at our mediocrity.

Most creatives hold what they do for a living very dear to their heart. For most of us the work we do is a passion and something we strive to be the best. Because of this you can find yourself worn and beaten down at times. Creatives find themselves disappointed in the quality of their work, lack of progression, or not excited by their current job situation. This drain on ones body and mind can take it's toll quickly and is often hard to break away from.

Some people say it's just a matter of trying something new to put yourself back on track, but there are ruts that are often too hard to pull yourself out of. Often if you've hit a huge low you need to completely cut yourself away from what you love to reflect and refresh yourself. To me the most effective and best way to assess yourself and your work is to get away from it.

Get Away

Whether it's a short weekend get away, a walk in the park, or a two week vacation to a foreign land, it's important to step back at times and see the world. Recharging your batteries allows your body to unwind, relax, and think differently. Things you never thought you'd see can become quite inspiring, and will often excite that drive inside you. Taking time to reflect on where you are personally and professionally allows you to realize how positive your experience has been so far and evaluate your next step.

We often want to move things along at a faster pace then what is really attainable. We're impatient and want to be the best at our craft overnight, but this isn't the case. By taking time away you realize how much you have truly grown, even when you didn't realize it. Allowing yourself time to relax and sit back gives you the chance to see your progression in what really has only been a short time. This time of reflection allows you to set goals and plan for what you want to attain, whether it's learning a new technique, trying a new style, or pushing your business in a different direction.

On Return

After you've returned from your walk, vacation, weekend, etc. you need to set thought into action. It's easy to come back and say 'i feel so inspired i can't wait to work' and then not do anything. Thinking about it but not acting on it is an easy way to put yourself right back where you were when you left. For you to truly reap the benefits of your break you need to put in the work and strive to go in the direction you want. Being refreshed and excited to work can only go so far without you acting upon it. Obviously it's easier said then done, but no one ever said getting better was easy without practice, more education and constant reflection.