Escaping Mental Quicksand: Your “Time of Readiness”

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Escaping Mental Quicksand: Your “Time of Readiness”

So many people were encouraged by this post when it came out, I decided to publish it again. I hope it helps you along your path to creative fulfilment.

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Purchased from and Owned by http://www.iStockphoto.com. You may not use this image for any purpose without buying it for yourself.

Have you ever had a writing idea that just won’t come together, or a goal you want to achieve but can’t bring yourself to act on just yet? It could be a book you only manage to half write, an experimental change of genre in your writing or some opportunity which is outside your current experience. You may find yourself stalling. Or you may be frustrated when you start to work on that project, but it just seems to keep falling apart or halting, and you’re not sure why.

Is it because it’s just not your area? Do you have writer’s block? Are you being lazy? Are you a failure? Is it fear holding you back? It could be some of those things, or it could be that all the resources you need are just not in place yet. Perhaps it is a waiting game that will get you there if you’re patient.

There is a theory in psychology called the “time of readiness,” which states that unless a child has reached a point in their physical development where they can try a new skill, such as crawling or walking, no amount of pushing or imposed practice will get them there. They just won’t get it! There are some things in life you just can’t rush. Any kind of growth takes it’s own time.

I believe that the same principle works in a similar way in many areas of our lives as we continue to challenge ourselves to achieve in new areas. Personal growth is the key, whether that growth is of a mental, emotional, physical or spiritual nature.

demotivational-posters-challenge-accepted We are often not able to make certain forward jumps until something clicks in our hearts and heads. Of course, the underlying problem may actually be writer’s block generated by feeling unsure or fearful that is holding you back. Even so, perhaps there will soon be an optimum time where you can overcome that hurdle. Just as long as you aren’t using fear as an excuse and you are actively working on trying to advance. Action is the key. If you’re not working towards your goal in some way, then time of readiness is probably not the answer.

There are decisive actions you can take when you feel stuck at any stage so that you can move towards. Don’t despair or get frustrated with yourself! Keep discovering new ideas, trying new skills and practicing what you need to master. Have a plan! Set clear goals and mix with people who can mentor you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get imperfect results at first. You need to build up to what you want in stages which will, annoying as it is, take time: the time you need to become ready.

It will come, you may just need to be patient. One day it can click into place.

Phoenix Rising addresses the challenges and frustrations of writers in the digital age. It has been written for all genres of writers and all forms of publication. If your creative energy is low, your word count flagging or the downsides of being a writer are taking away your joy, this book will give you new strength and hope with which to spread your wings and find new freedom.