Every project I embark upon follows a similar rhythm. It’ll start with a flash of inspiration that sets my mind in motion and fills me with excitement. Yes. Let’s see if I can make that happen. Those early moments get peppered with new and exciting ideas.
Then, like clockwork, right around the middle of a project, I’ll hit a wall of self-doubt. Maybe I’ll question the project itself - perhaps the whole thing feels absurd or self-indulgent - Is this really how I want to spend my time? Often, I’ll question my abilities - What if I can’t make this work?
It took years of practice to realize it was just a phase - that the middle of a project is always hard. It’s a massive amount of effort to move forward, and it was Tom’s 10th bullet - Persistence - that gave me a better compass for navigating those darker moments. I often imagine Van Neistat narrating “Press on.”
Then - just beyond the strongest desire to give up and quit, I’ll find a way and scrape out the other side. Yeah. I’ve got this licked. Most people have to jump out of an aircraft to get the same kind of adrenalin hit that comes from overcoming what I feel during the middle of a project.
The final stages are mostly muscle memory. Execute a bunch of steps and close the project. Usually, I’m already thinking about the next idea and looking for a new adrenalin hit.
Originally written for the Sachsian Syndicate.
Comments:
You can join the conversation on Twitter or Instagram
Become a Patreon to get early and behind-the-scenes access along with email notifications for each new post.
Hi! Subconsciously you already know this, but let's make it obvious. Hopefully this article was helpful. You might also find yourself following a link to Amazon to learn more about parts or equipment. If you end up placing an order, I make a couple of dollarydoos. We aren't talking a rapper lifestyle of supercars and yachts, but it does help pay for the stuff you see here. So to everyone that supports this place - thank you.