Often a rabbit hole can be a mistimed distraction. Something that takes you away from what you should be doing right now. And whilst it may be very interesting, you know deep down that it’s not something you should be focusing your attention on right now.

But often a rabbit hole can take you somewhere you need to be, or at least its distraction may make it easier for you to see where you need to be.

This has happened to me recently. It has felt like I have been lost in a rabbit hole for sometime. I have felt completely overwhelmed by all the opportunities that lay before me. There are so many ways I could go and I have been finding it difficult to pick a direction and stick to it.

What if I pick the wrong direction?

What if my ideas don’t work how I want them to?

What if I would be better doing something else?

How am I going to compete with the extent of talent already established?

Everything I am doing has already been done - how is my work going to be any more appealing?

Etc etc.

And with all this whirling round in my head I found myself starting in one direction, seeing the end point, but then losing confidence before I got there and switching to do something different.

No wonder I wasn’t getting anywhere. . .

In the end I had to have a detailed brainstorm; think about exactly what I wanted to do, identify my strengths and decide a path and stick to it. So on this occasion I actually needed to travel down the mile long rabbit hole in order to give myself the time and space to work all these thoughts out.

And now I’m raring to go!!

My main takeaway from this experience is:

Stay focused on your own journey

As you know, embarking on a career in surface pattern design is an exhilarating journey filled with boundless creativity and endless possibilities. However, amidst the excitement, it's easy to fall into the trap of distractions, or "rabbit holes", that can divert you from your path and hinder your progress.

In a world brimming with inspiration and talented designers, staying focused on your own work and goals can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Yet, with the right mindset and strategies, you can steer clear of these distractions and stay true to your creative vision.

So what do I suggest you focus on when developing strategies to avoid unwanted distractions?

Resilience

One of the most important aspects of avoiding distractions is cultivating a mindset of focus and intentionality. Setting clear goals for yourself and outlining actionable steps to achieve them can help anchor your focus amidst the sea of enticing opportunities and trends. By staying true to your unique artistic voice and vision, you can resist the temptation to veer off course and remain focussed on pursuing your own creative path.

Self Awareness

"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt

Whilst it is natural to admire the work of fellow designers and draw inspiration from their creations, constantly comparing yourself to others can erode your confidence and derail your progress. Instead of measuring your success against that of others, you should celebrate your own accomplishments and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, every designer's journey is unique, and there is no 'one-size-fits-all' formula for success.

Discipline

Practicing self-discipline and establishing healthy boundaries can also help you stay focused on your own work amidst the distractions of the digital world. Limiting your time on social media and other online platforms, where the temptation to compare yourself to others is often strongest, can create space for you to channel your energy into your own creative endeavors. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you can provide invaluable encouragement and accountability along your journey.

Ultimately...

…staying focused on your own work and goals as a surface pattern designer requires a combination of self-awareness, discipline and resilience. By nurturing your creative vision, resisting the pull of distractions and cultivating a supportive community, you can navigate the twists and turns of your creative journey with confidence and clarity.

So, embrace the challenge of staying focused amidst the noise and distractions, knowing that your dedication and perseverance will ultimately lead you to success.

Before you go, don’t forget to download this weeks free resource:

“How to Avoid the Rabbit Holes”

- a comprehensive list of strategies to help you maintain focus, manage excitement and enjoy the creative process, while avoiding the pitfalls of getting lost in too many rabbit holes!

Join me next time as we explore strategic goal setting and mind mapping.

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See you next time,

Yvonne x