Designed Life Challenge, Day 12

Taking Creative Action

Writing prompts:

What project keeps coming to mind that you’re avoiding? Write about what form the Resistance is taking – procrastination, perfectionism, fear, or something else?

Write about the difference between how you feel before starting work versus how you feel once you’re in flow. What patterns do you notice?

Vault:

​Writer’s Block is a Myth

What’s holding us back what is the key to managing creative projects?

Creativity thrives on movement. But sometimes, even the most exciting projects end up sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.

The Weight of Unfinished Projects

I like to think that I don’t avoid projects, yet some naturally fall to the side. Some, like a larger house project awaiting client feedback, are simply paused until the right time. Others linger because I know how much effort they’ll demand once they’re fully in motion. And then there are my personal projects, the ones that don’t have a deadline pressing down on me. These often get lost in the shuffle, waiting for the elusive “free time” that never quite arrives.

I’m not resistant to work, but I do prioritize based on urgency. That means the projects requiring immediate attention take the lead, while others wait in the background. And that’s okay. Recognizing this pattern allows me to better manage my time and energy, instead of feeling guilty about what’s left undone.

Before the Work vs. In the Flow

The way I approach work has changed over time. Earlier in my career, I would jump into new projects with unfiltered enthusiasm, letting creativity lead the way. But dealing with clients and managing expectations often disrupted my flow. It took time to learn how to balance vision with reality, especially when changes and revisions became an inevitable part of the process.

Now, I know that the hardest part isn’t the work itself, it’s the anticipation of starting. Once I get into the flow, everything comes together naturally. Seeing ideas take shape in 3D is exhilarating, but handling technical drawings and implementation is where I have to push myself the most. Yet, with every project, I’m improving at navigating these challenges. The key is to step out of my comfort zone before hesitation has a chance to set in.

Reflection