Procrastination and the Fear of Failure

So…I have this project I’m supposed to be working on, but…

I’m not really working on it so much, ya know?

I volunteered to paint a chair for an upcoming community charity event.  I’ve had this chair in my possession since early December.  But then the holidays came, which is all month long around here.  And then it’s so hard getting back on track in January, right?  The planning my daughter’s birthday party, all that fuss over the groundhog….and well, choosing the perfect Valentine’s cards is a lot of work and of course nobody works on Presidents’ day do they?  I mean, if you’re really patriotic and all.  And don’t forget the weather – weather is important.  Lot’s of snow days this year to mess with my schedule and now it’s so nice out you just can’t stay inside.

And so…the chair is not quite finished.  And it’s not because I’m lazy.  Oh no!  Far from it!  I’ve done lots of other work in that time from small paintings to full room murals.  So what is it about this chair?

Well, a very timely email landed upon my inbox the other day and the subject was “the fear of failure”.  After reading it (how could I possibly work on that chair when I have this very important article to read?) I realized exactly what the problem was; I would rather savor the enjoyment of imagining how great this chair could look than face the reality that it might not turn out quite as I had hoped.

Oh yes, I have dreamt about this chair – my most magnificent work yet - earning the highest bid at auction!  Could reality possibly live up to that?  Well, maybe.  But not if I don’t finish the darn thing. 

So, I gave myself a reason to finish!  After reading that oh-so-irritating little article, I learned that it is our attitude about failure that determines whether or not we fear it.  So, I can be someone who is embarrassed by my failures or I can be someone who is proud of myself for trying.  I decided to be the latter.  I decided that overcoming the fear is a success in and of itself. 

Just think how many great works of art, inventions, innovations, medical breakthroughs and just plain old good ideas would never have come to be if people hadn’t tried due to fear of failing!  Surely my painted chair barely registers compared to some of those.  A bad painting, should it come to that, is a small price to pay.

And now I am focused on finishing this darn thing!  Which is a convenient way of thinking since I've already committed to having it done by March 1st.  Wish me luck!  Pix coming soon!

Is the fear of failure holding you back?  What does it keep you from doing?  What other fears are getting in the way of your success?  I’d love to read your comments!

I am a Blog Virgin

It's true. I've never done this before and to be quite honest, I'm a bit nervous. Am I doing it right? Will it feel weird? I'm not sure.

But here we go.

I've given a lot of thought to what I want my blog to be about, and I haven't really come up with anything conclusive. But I do know that I sometimes have the desire to share something that goes beyond the limits of my Face book status. So let's try not to put any labels on this and just see where it goes, shall we?

I promise to try and be as entertaining and informative as I know how to be!

The theme that keeps running through my mind lately is gratitude. I recently had one of those "milestone" birthdays. And I discovered that it's one of those things that can remind you (if you let it) of how lucky you really are. What a great feeling it is to know that my wonderful family and friends care enough to make time to celebrate with me, or choose a thoughtful card or a ridiculously appropriate gift. They like me, they really like me! And these aren't just any people; these are some crazy beautiful fabulous and amazing people!

I know everyone is busy. Super busy. I know how much effort can go into a phone call, email, card, text or gift, let alone the gymnastics of rearranging your schedule to actually see someone. So I appreciate it. And it's a great way to start this year, this new decade.

And speaking of fresh starts, I will be getting one more this year in the form of a studio makeover! Because that was my husband’s birthday gift to me. Ridiculously appropriate. And I am grateful. For the gift and for his presence in my life.

Here are some before photos of the room where I paint. It’s pretty ugly, but we have big plans for it. Check out the new floor and wall color I'm thinking about. And stay tuned for progress pix… who doesn't love a good room makeover?