Issue 4: The Long Middle: Staying Motivated
Do you ever have those excited conversations with friends about some incredible idea that you can’t wait to bring to life? Someone grabs for the sticky notes to document, another purchases a domain name for the project’s future website, and there’s a lot of, “yes, and….!” happening. It’s wonderful.
And then what?
Well, the next steps depend entirely on you and your motivation. In time, some of your collaborator friends may begin to get busy, stop replying to messages regarding the idea, and reveal a general lack of enthusiasm. This could be its end right here. But, if your idea lives beyond the fever-pitched roar of its inception, then it will soon enter an arduous in-between area we call The Long Middle – a time when the initial creative spark has come and gone, and yet the finish line is still a long way off.
In this issue we share stories of motivation and heart to keep you true to your initial idea. With time, and hard work, you can get through the Long Middle. And we hope these articles serve you along the way.
“Don’t you owe it to yourself and to other people to share that magic inside you?” – Christina Castillo, Phamily Member
Featured Story
How I Picture Change
The story behind one photojournalist’s efforts to make storytellers out of those who go unheard.
Interview
Interview with Justin Eisner
In this interview we learn of Justin’s film photography recovery work in honor of his late grandfather. We also learn what bringing these photos back to life has taught Justin about art, family, and himself.
Phamily Contribution
Don’t Get Stuck
Whether you’re a professional, semi-pro, or hobbyist with big aspirations, the middle point of your endeavour can often feel like the most prominent feature of your creative journey and it’s easy to get stuck there.
Phamily Contribution
Find Inspiration in the Last Place You’d Expect
With so many people in the world practicing similar crafts as you, it’s easy to find yourself in the dreaded slump of stuckness. So how do you stay motivated?
Links Worth Clicking
- Here is some permission to waste time. Seriously.
- How to survive as a freelancer.
- A font for a city?
Talk to us!
Are you in the middle of a challenging project/process right now? Tell us about it! Tweet it out with #PhamilyWisdom 🙂
Thanks for browsing through this issue of PHLEARN Magazine. If you missed our last one, I encourage you to check it out right here. As always, let me know what you liked a lot, liked a little, or would like more of. This magazine is for you, after all!
Best,
Dane@PHLEARN.com
