The Development Process: When your brain wants to quit.
The process of creating and developing an idea can be long and difficult. For many creatives coming up with ideas is usually not an issue, the problem comes when we try to stick with an idea long enough to make it into something palpable, something marketable, something real. If you're like me, artist ADD inevitably rears it's ugly head and bam were off track and working on the next big idea. There are ways to help prevent derailment and keep you on track. These tips can help improve your chances for success. Here are a few methods that may help your brain stay focused and help you progress in your development:
Schedule a time day that you will dedicate to working on your idea.
If you're having trouble concentrating after a while, give yourself smaller time increments to work with. For instance set aside 10 to 15 minutes daily that you will accomplish a task that will bring you closer to your goal.
Fill your environment with things that will help your senses stay creative and focused. I personally like to put headphones on and listen to music that inspires images that motivate my narrative. If your task is less creative and starts to feel tedious, listen to music that lets your inner 3 year-old feel like it's happy at play while having to work on something less fun like contracts, budgets, logistics etc. (my personal fav for this is 80's new wave). The reason I suggest music is because background television can divert your attention too easily (artist ADD loves background TV). If your happy place is silence then go with what makes you comfortable for getting to work.
If you're a list maker, give yourself "action items" to work with. The checking off of each task makes you feel like you're getting closer to your goal and guess what? You are.
If you're not a list maker (like me) set a goal for yourself each day and keep track of what you've already done so you don't reinvent the wheel or forget that you've already finished the task.
Set deadlines for yourself, even if you don't like them. If you find it hard to adhere to specific dates, simply setting the deadline to accomplish the task in 1 week, 2weeks, etc. Be realistic and hold yourself accountable. (having specific deadlines tends to be more beneficial. Food for thought).
Reward yourself every time you follow through on tasks, deadlines and getting a step closer to your goal. Your inner 3 year-old will thank you and your brain won't try to convince you not to work on the task because it doesn't want to. You will get used to receiving awards for each task and you will eventually associate this kind of work with immediately getting something good.
Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to make mistakes. Learn from them use that knowledge to move you forward.
Now get to work and best wishes for your success. If you have other suggestions on what works for you, leave them in the comments. You never know who you might help or where you may find an answer. Create, innovate, motivate.
