Productivity in Autumn

Hi,

My goal for these next few months is to create a body of work. I already work as a creative in the music industry, but this project is going to be sole by myself for myself. I have found it challenging because my inner critic makes me doubt myself a lot, which again makes me so disappointed and frustrated. I set aside some time in my autumns for this project, as I wanted to use as much of my spring and summer being at my best socially at my work when I have to collaborate with others etc.
I realised leaving my own project for autumn perhaps isn’t the best idea though, as that’s when I tend to doubt myself the most, and won’t be particularly motivated to start something new.
So let’s say I move my own project time to spring to better support myself, how can I still be productive in my autumn? I want to make sure I take advantage of the qualities in my autumn, and in turn feel good about myself. I don’t just want to live for the first half of my cycle anymore, and have the rest be total silent/ unproductive. Hope you’re able to help with some insight/ tips. Thanks

Answer:

What is the problem if you experience doubt when you are working on something new?

Your brain is programmed to provide doubt when we try to do something new. It is a form of protection. It is trying to stop us from potential harm. Of course, it stops us from growing too.

What would it sound like if you recognized that doubt may be present while you work? You are very clear that you want to do this project. You know why you want to do that. Use that to balance out your doubt. It may sound something like, “Of course I’m feeling doubt. My brain is doing what it is programmed to do to protect me. Thank you, brain. I do not need protection. I am doing this because [your why].”

With your great awareness to your cycle, you may use it to your advantage. As you enter autumn, you may add that to your compassion. Of course you are experiencing a bit more doubt at that time. That doubt may live with the feelings created by your thoughts on why you are doing this project.

Practice that thought during autumn and during other seasons. Then when autumn comes, you have a well practiced thought of why you are doing this. It will allow doubt and the feeling that is driving this project to be there together.