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I’m losing energy on a project I’ve been doing for a while

Try Softer

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TRY SOFTER@2x

The Context

Taoist monks practice something called paradoxical unity. It means the best way to accomplish something is to try less. From the standpoint of the creative process, the same principle applies. If you're losing momentum around a project that you've been working on for a long time, the best thing you can do is walk away from it and go work on something else.

The Tool

two color

Try Softer

TRY SOFTER — Realizing the full potential of your project by walking away from it

This is why working on multiple projects simultaneously, is such an effective and popular strategy. It more productively deploys your efforts and allows you to come back with fresh energy as circumstances dictate.

Scott's Take

Scott's Take

My product development and innovation gameshow consumed a large portion of my creative bandwidth for the first eight months of this past year. Once our first season wrapped, it was time for a much needed break. Took about three months off to work on other projects, not thinking about the show, and not feeling guilty for not thinking about the show. Then, during an especially long plane ride recently, my inspiration for the project returned. Spent three hours editing my database of innovations to be used for the upcoming second season and the forthcoming card game. What was rewarding about that experience was, revisiting the material reminded me of my love and pride for it. It showed me how the project engages muscles, emotions and personality traits that aren't really used anywhere else in my creative life. The combination of which motivated me to get back at it once again.

The Rest

If your current project has hit the wall recently, perhaps staring harder won't help. Perhaps distance is your weapon right now. It may sound paradoxical, but then again, if you're not willing to walk away from your project, you may never realize its full potential. When in doubt, go work on something else. How adept are you at switching creative gears?

The Benefits

Using creative distance as a motivational weapon
Come back to your work with fresh energy
Become more adept at switching gears between projects
Gain new perspective on your work

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