I was told this could happen, I didn’t believe it.
I read about it happening, I still didn’t believe it.
I talked to someone it had happened to, I chose not to believe it.
I felt it happening, I did not want to believe it.
Then it happened, I reached day 275 of my Project 365 and began to think about stopping.
That bizarre phenomenon that swirls in, part way through a long and lengthy project. The niggly urge to quit when you are almost there.
You know it…….
The course you took for months, even years and abandoned with one module to go.
The garden bed you dug out and never replanted.
The renovations that spanned weeks and then months and ended with walls unfinished and floors yet to sand.
The artwork you so lovingly prepared, gathering dust while patiently awaiting its detail.
The story you furiously wrote now buried deep in your hard drive, waiting years for its final few chapters.
The projects we so excitedly take on. The momentum we roll with during those first dreamy months. The pit of energy and enthusiasm seems bottomless and inexhaustible.
Then time drifts by and the twists and turns of life slowly steer you away. Your life is evolving and changing just as you are.
Our enthusiasm dips, frustration now clouds our initial desire. Life is pulling you away from the project and dragging away the dream.
The question finally explodes into consciousness……Why am I doing this and should I stop?
I don’t believe in finishing for the sake of finishing. I also know an unfinished project can become like a chattering monkey sitting high on your back. Distracting and taunting you with unfulfilled desires you cannot ignore.
What to do? How do you know if you have a monkey?
Go back and remember the reasons you started. Ask yourself these questions.
Why did I start?
How did I want to feel when I was finished? Do I feel this now?
What were the gains? Do you have them yet?
If the answer is yes I feel this, I have this, then stop, move on, you are there, no looking back.
If the answer is no, I still want this, and I know this project moves me toward that feeling, that gain, then examine where the doubt and frustration are coming from?
Since I began my 365 project back in July last year life has certainly changed. I am studying now and am more involved in other daily practices. My frustration is time and not the project itself. The project feels fabulous, I love the creativity, the growth and the journey I am on while discovering my true style.
My enthusiasm has been reignited, I am now carving out photo taking time. I am planning my session for earlier in the day. I have written my stop doing list and I am saying no. I am streamlining my life and clearing the path toward my desire to feel fabulous and true to my creative.
So without further ado I am off to take photos, with a big juicy smile, camera in hand and my free copy of 8 ways to Improve Your Photography to inspire me.
You can follow my 365 Project daily on my Facebook Page or my Instagram feed.
Time to fess up, what projects have you left unfinished? Are they now chattering monkeys on your back?
What?! You’ve gotten this far, of course you can’t stop now! I’m notorious for starting those projects and quitting a couple weeks in. But you have 275 days…that’s huge!
Michelle I am notorious for battling on when the fun has gone. Its finding the purpose again and knowing I am still fulfilled by the project. We would make a great balanced team.
So glad you are continuing Karen! You take lovely pictures.
Thanks Corlie, a momentary hiccup and back on track now.
Hell-to-the-no, Karen!!! You better not stop, girl! I am proud of you for having made it this far. No, my sweet, You. Must. Keep. Going.
I know you may be getting bored (you’re human); you may be feeling internal pressure (ignore it).
My husband is a former NFL player, so he knows a thing or two about pressure and expectation. I’m going to share with you a quote he tells me to encourage me when things get rough: “Pressure makes diamonds.”
(I’m Courtney from The Brown Girl with Long Hair blog, by the way…)
Stopping by from SITS. <3
I gave up on the 365 project last year about 3 or 4 months into it. I realized I just wasn’t enjoying it anymore; it had become more of a chore. I didn’t want to continue it just for the sake of doing it. But it is so easy sometimes to not finish projects I have started! The worst is with my business when I make jewelry I often get into the habit of stopping right before the finishing touch (i.e. putting on a clasp–so simple!). Stopping by from Sharefest!
I’m glad you have found new excitement around the project. I tried a 365 photo project a few years ago, and couldn’t keep up with it. It felt much more stressful than fun for me, but I think part of that was where I was in my life at that time. In a different season, it might be better.
It would be such a shame not to finish, I’m sure you would feel sorry you hadn’t carried on in a year or two when looking back. On the other hand I don’t believe in ploughing on regardless with something if it doesn’t feel right any more. I love the process you used to decide how to proceed, it really seems like you have made the right decision for you.
It is a toughie, plough on or quit and regret. The process has worked I am happily photographing away each day. Thank you for stopping by.
Stopping by from SITS Sharefest and I agree it would be a shame not to finish! I also loved the questions to ask yourself when you feel like you are losing energy for a lengthy project!
Julie I became fascinated that I was considering quitting at this stage and yet it is a common occurrence. I hope those questions help others to find clarity too.
So glad you are carrying on! Onward! Peaks and valleys are the norm – thankful you just re-evaluated and re-energized to carry on! There is power in that photo 365 project. I tried and failed in 2010 but made it in 2011! Loved the journey and gift.
Wow you made it, congrats. I am almost there and I have loved the journey too.
Oh I well understand. That flurry of excitement when you first start and then after a while of same old, same old it all begins to get a bit dreary. Love the questions you posed about what to ask when it get rather tiring. So glad you are going to carry on Karen! Happy photographing!
Kelly as you know I have become an Instagram addict. No stopping me now.