The Advantage To Adversity
Staying engaged and facing issues head-on
Creators are frequently confronted with adversity from a variety of angles, and they adopt a variety of personas. Working so hard on something and feeling like you're slamming your head against a brick wall can be discouraging. Still, the magic is in finding a way to get past the nonsense and find some peace in the completion of a project. Too many people give up at the first sign of adversity, potentially depriving the world of some great works.
How do we then overcome the challenges we face and turn them into victories? The first step is to shift our perspective. Many of the difficulties and problems we face are the result of our own insecurities and mistakes. For example, I admit to making mistakes and overlooking details while editing. I also accept responsibility for any project completion deadlines that are missed. Part of this is due to being a capable business owner, but another significant factor is the ability to self-reflect.
Personal growth is being stifled in today's culture by a rejection of personal responsibility.
Personal growth is being stifled in today's culture by a rejection of personal responsibility. I've met far too many people who will never admit wrongdoing and are only concerned with self-preservation. I understand it to some extent, believe me. However, I believe that as we get older, we should be able to recognize that mistakes and errors are a normal part of life. We can begin by identifying our own flaws and shortcomings so that we can mark them down and try to avoid them in the future.
What I believe most people struggle with is moving on from their mistakes. It's difficult enough for some to admit them in the first place. Sorry for the note, but even if you don't admit it to them, you are aware that it occurred. However, self-destruction enters this phase when, instead of making adjustments to move past it, we either deflect or disengage.
These are the two most risky mindsets for a creator to adopt.
Deflection:
You can see this in toddlers when they do something wrong, apologize quickly, and continue playing. They said the right thing, and in their minds, it's time to move on. When confronted with the error, the self-preservation mechanism kicks in, directing your attention to anything that will get you out of the awkward situation. Some cry, others try to find a toy, and still, others simply refuse to make eye contact. The harsh reality is that many creative people behave in this manner. We never want to have to face the possibility that we were mistaken. Instead, we deflect anything that will allow us to avoid taking responsibility for the failure.
Don't be afraid of it, and let those awkward moments guide you to a better understanding of what you can do better in the future.
My advice is to face it head-on. Don't be afraid of it, and let those awkward moments guide you to a better understanding of what you can do better in the future. Facing it directly will benefit not only your creations but also your outlook on life.
Disengage:
Another major issue in dealing with adversity is our ability to disengage. When we want to get out of a situation but are unable to do so, far too many people shut down completely. If you've been a creator in any field for any length of time, you've undoubtedly encountered floaters. These are the people who come in, do something that doesn't go as planned, and then leave. It's unfortunate, but some people simply do not have a growth mindset.
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you want more from yourself. I would advise you to never give up when you face adversity. Stepping back is fine, and reflection time is also fine, but completely shutting down is a poor strategy that rarely works in almost any aspect of life. Stay engaged, and if necessary, find something else to work on (after you've addressed the issue). Giving up should never be an option, so don't let it become one.