How To Get Rid Of Creative Envy

Every day I am just amazed by what people are making, how smart and creative and fascinating everyone is. People are brilliant. Isn't it incredible? I didn't always feel this way.

T H E / G R I P / O F / J E A L O U S Y
A few years ago I would look around, see all this beautiful stuff being made, and have a serious case of creative envy. I wanted to make what they made, and I didn't want them to have done it.

I would think to myself, "I could've done that." But yeah, I didn't. In fact, I wasn't making or doing much of anything that I really loved.

T H E / L I G H T
A huge shift happened when I decided to make something happen for myself, instead of watching it all go off without me. So I left a life of suffocation, packed up my car, drove across the country, and took a job that half of my friends and family didn't even believe was REAL.

I started this little thing called "The Year of Making," where I made one small piece of art every day, and that's when things really started flowing.

N O W / F R E E
I am by no means perfect or 100% without jealousy ever, but I can honestly say that jealousy does not have control over me the way it used to, not at all. I hardly ever see others' work or lives and get that pang of envy. 

This is huge and set me creatively free.

Ever since I started focusing on having fun, following my curiosity, taking risks, and actually MAKING THINGS...

** I want to celebrate others, not steal from them. 
** I want to share their work, not hide it. 
** I want to rejoice in their successes, not snuff them.

All I can say is, you do you. If you're at that point and suffering from persistent jealousy, chances are you need to make something for yourself. Not for your job, not for your partner, not for your dog. YOU.

Action KILLS creative envy.

...and chances are that when you launch that new eCourse or announce exciting news or post one of your newest creations on Instagram...

I am on the other side saying "Holy SHIT that is STUNNING," showing it off to anyone within 10 feet of me, and doing a various assortment of hand gestures to express my enthusiasm.

Stop thinking, strategizing, planning, worrying, hustling.

Sometimes you just need to shut your computer, scarf down a bowl of Indian food, and then sweat it all out. All of this followed by a piping hot shower and wool socks will do ya extra good.

By 5pm today I was in a foul mood, and I had no idea why. I turned off the lights and hid under blankets, where my mind finally began to find peace.

I stopped thinking, strategizing, planning, worrying, hustling. I finally let my brain rest, and I told myself it was okay if I didn't go back to the computer today.

There will always be more to do, and I'm quickly learning as an entrepreneur, you're always going to feel that way. You cannot get everything you want done today. And you won’t tomorrow.

So when you’ve hit a wall and can no longer create the way you want to, be done. For the night, or even just an hour. Go do something that requires your muscles to work, your hands to move, your eyes to do anything but stare at a screen.

Some ways to give your mind a break:

• Go pick up some fresh food at the grocery store and cook a homemade dinner. Let the aroma of sautéed butter and onion and garlic fill your kitchen and light up your senses.
• Pack a bag and hit the road, trail, or sidewalk.
• Talk to strangers and take photos.
• Buy a fizzy drink.
• Draw.
• Open a good book at a bakery or coffee shop and enjoy a treat while you sink into a story.
• Volunteer or do a random act of kindness. (I guarantee this will pop you out of ANY funk.)
• Get physical. With humans or animals. Never underestimate the power of a nice long hug + snuggle.

My favorite way to get over that mid-to-late day slump is to climb. It’s one of the only times my mind is totally clear. And when that space in my brain is created, I find fresh ideas show up almost instantly. (That's actually where this post idea came from.)

---

// A S S I G N M E N T Here's something for you to try during your next work day.

When you get to that point where you aren’t working efficiently, give yourself permission to quit for as long as you need, and don’t feel guilty about it. Quit for the day, dude. Seriously. (All this pending if you work for yourself/if your boss agrees.)

Only one catch: Do not use this time for mind-numbing stuff like binging on Netflix. Try your best to stay away from screens.

Get out of your mind and into your body.

Allow your mind time to rest and play, and do both often.