If you have creative work in the hopper (or simply an idea!), you’re invited to learn and create alongside us this summer as we explore key concepts and actionable ideas to move creativity forward inspired by Dr. Eric Maisel’s book, “Fearless Creating: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Completing Your Work of Art” (affiliate link).
🎧 Start Here
Welcome To Week 8!✨
Working with chaos, distraction, and imperfect momentum
So… you’ve started.
You’ve returned.
You’re building a rhythm.
Now we’re entering the real creative terrain — the working stage.
The part where your project starts to take shape… and also starts throwing elbows.
Missed Last Week?
🎯 What Does “Flow” Really Mean?
We talk about flow like it’s a mystical state — candle lit, tea steaming, ideas pouring out like divine downloads.
But in real life?
Flow often feels like:
45 minutes of flailing
3 minutes of brilliance
1 unplanned snack break
…and a deep scroll through someone else’s highlight reel
Sound familiar?
It’s not like you’re “doing it wrong”. You’re just creating.
🧠 Managing the Chaotic-Mind Anxiety
Dr. Maisel names this next flavor of resistance as chaotic-mind anxiety; The stress that shows up when we’re in it:
When the work gets messy.
When we hit roadblocks.
When we can’t remember why we liked this idea in the first place.
This is totally normal.
In fact, it’s a sign you’re doing the real work.
You’re no longer circling the idea. You’re inside it.
🛠️ This Week’s Practice: Three Sessions, One Focus
Your goal is to complete three focused work sessions this week.
They don’t have to be long; Even 20 to 30 minutes will do.
Before each session, ask yourself:
“What’s one thing I want to move forward today?”
Jot down a few thoughts after your session:
What worked?
What distracted me?
What surprised me?
You’re not just building a project. You’re learning how you work best.
💭 Reflection Prompt:
When I’m deep in the work, what patterns pull me out and what helps me stay in?
Spoiler: It’s different for everyone. Your job is to notice your own rhythm, not force someone else’s.
💬 Real Talk:
You don’t need to be in a magical trance to make meaningful progress.
You just need to keep showing up inside the mess.
Let it be imperfect.
Let it be slow.
Let it be real.
That’s how the work gets good.
🧭 Coming Next...
In Week 9, we’ll talk about loving the work even when you’re not sure it loves you back AKA when the magic wears off and you still have to finish the thing.
But for now?
Head down, heart open, let’s flow.
You’ve got this.
