Six Ways to Squelch Creative Mojo in No Time.

I wanted to share an update on my sweater replica project. 

But first, I’m cracking up because the designer The Elder Statesman sweater went on clearance, 40% off to around $890. Then it sold out. Ha! Did you one of you buy the sweater and beat me to the output? 

While I haven't finished my replica yet, I've learned some valuable lessons about how to kill your mojo when you're on a deadline. I was making solid progress and everything was just clicking. The momentum was incredible. I felt like I was going crochet this baby in no time. I was shocking and delighting my own self!

But then, wouldn’t you know it? I got distracted by a new pattern I saw online, didn’t effectively use my stitching time (I’m a social butterfly!). What had happened was…

The biggest lesson I've learned about how to complete a deadline project on-time is the importance of cultivating and protecting momentum. Momentum is a critical component to one’s creative mojo! It plays well with creativity, and excitement to keep us “hooking and clicking” (smile).  Mojo is a term often used to describe a combination of momentum, creativity, and excitement. It's that special spark or energy that keeps up motivation and engagement in your projects. When you have your mojo, everything seems to flow effortlessly, and you feel inspired and productive. Losing your mojo can make tasks feel more challenging and less enjoyable, so it's important to cultivate and protect it to maintain progress and enthusiasm.

Here are 6 ways to do what I did - fall of the mojo wagon. But trust me, don’t do these things. 

1. Ignoring the Schedule

One surefire way to squelch your creative mojo is to ignore your schedule. It's easy to let time slip away, but sticking to a plan is crucial. When you allow quick and easy interruptions, they actually complicate things and sap your energy. We work best when we have a balance of energy and skill, so maintaining a schedule helps keep that balance in check.

For instance, I paused on my schedule to knit a Red One Santa hat. What I thought would be just a couple of hours turned into a much longer distraction. Knitting the hat disrupted my rhythm, and before I knew it, I was writing an article about the hat and even considering making a second one after my son absconded with Mr. Purl's. This detour, although fun, significantly set back my sweater progress. And, even though I had built in a time margin, it couldn’t accommodate a whole new project, no matter how fast I stitch. 

Tip: Stick to a schedule and set specific times for your knitting sessions. This helps maintain a steady pace and keeps your momentum going.

2. Allowing Interruptions

Interruptions might seem harmless, but they can be detrimental to your creative flow. Each interruption breaks your concentration and makes it harder to get back into the groove. Protect your knitting time by setting boundaries for focused stitching time. I overestimated my ability to focus and crochet while social stitching. Part of my schedule included working on the sweater during Sunday Stitching. Why did I do that? LOL I rarely rack up rows on a Sunday because I am not strategic about stitching while chatting. 

Tip: Create a dedicated, distraction-free space for your knitting. Let your peeps know when you need uninterrupted time to focus on your project.

3. Seasonal Timing

Try to make something in the season before you need it, when possible. Knitting a cozy sweater in the summer might not be as motivating as doing it in the fall or winter, but the added pressure of trying to make it and use it in the same season can choke your mojo. Take your time with a project before you absolutely need it can maintain your enthusiasm and keep progress steady. Auntie Purl starts making holiday ornaments in late summer. 

Tip: Plan your complex or deadline-oriented projects out of season. This keeps your motivation high and ensures you're working toward something relevant, exciting and it will be ready in due season (wink).

4. Focusing on the Danggone Trees

Making a gift is fun and is out of love and thoughtfulness.  When we rush to meet deadlines, we laser focus on the end result. Then what was a fun gift starts to feel like a burden which can squelch creativity. Focus and accomplishing the goal and not necessarily the “finishing/end.” For me, the vision for making the sweater was to encourage my son’s eclectic style and to crochet a handmade holiday gift. 

Tip: Keep the joy in your knitting by reminding yourself of your overarching goal. Take breaks when needed and don't pressure yourself to meet unrealistic deadlines.

5. “Rabbit Holing” Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process, but it's easy to go down a rabbit hole when they happen. For instance, I crocheted a sleeve too short and spent too much time fixating on it. Learn from your mistakes, but don't let them consume you. Plus, stitching is handmade not machine made. The finished garment will not be perfect. 

Tip: Accept mistakes as part of the process. Fix them if necessary, but don't dwell on them. Move forward and keep your momentum.

6. Self-Doubting

Doubting yourself can be a major mojo killer. I started worrying if the gift would stack up and psyched myself out. Trust in your skills and remember that the thought and effort you put into your handmade gifts are what truly matter.

Tip: Build confidence by celebrating small wins and progress. Trust in your abilities and remember that the effort and love you put into your work are what truly count.

I'm happy to report that I'm back on track with my sweater project. By recognizing and addressing the mojo killers, I've regained my momentum and am excited to continue crocheting. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I can't wait to share the finished product with you all soon!

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