Resistance

RESISTANCE

Balance-lack of: Reassess priorities, task management, work smarter not harder

Critical of self: have realistic expectations, know that some things take time, look at your positives and not always your negatives, look where you are at this point of life and where you’ve come, get someone you trust who is supportive, look at good things you’ve done.

Critical of others: know the difference between being critical and being cruel, compliment someone, not a personal attack but be constructive

Conformity: See a trend and run in the opposite direction and even if it does not work out you got somewhere that is different. Jump beyond trends and take risks. Look to other disciplines that are related like furniture, architecture, look farther back in history not to the latest design publications

Drugs/Alcohol: get abuse counseling, remember moderation, get family and friend support, seek help

Deadlines-fear of: have realistic expectations, don’t procrastinate, time management, set more achievable goals, digestible bite goals

Discipline-to work not play: time management, reward yourself for hard work, take breaks [regular], balance so make time for both

Distractions: know what kind of environment/workspace works for you, find good distraction [background noise], taking the phone and email out of your workspace, assess how you waste time by keeping a log

Depression-talk to friends and loved ones, writing in a journal, write a note to a friend [don’t need to send it], exercise, getting involved in something you like or enjoy, professional counseling, medication, meditation, get to the root of it

Exhaustion-making time for yourself, make a date with yourself once a week, stretch, get sleep, taking care of yourself, proper diet and exercise, see a doctor, take a short break or power nap

Fear of failure-think positive, realize it is not going to kill you, go for it, know that you are always learning, risks are worth taking, what is the worst that can happen? You are your own worst enemy

Fear of success-setting goals, prioritizing goals, talk to people in field

Grandiose visions of future-to be realistic, have patience, live in moment, enjoy present, focus on the short term

Guilt-ignoring loved ones- talk to them and get them on your side in advance, being clear when you communicate, set boundaries, make specific time for them, divorce yourself from their immediate reactions

Lack of reality-do something selfless, volunteering, talk to a professional

Loss of loved ones- managing your time and life here and think that they would want you to be doing what you want in your life, counseling, grief counseling, giving yourself the opportunity to feel sad and grieve, grab the glimmers of feeling good-try to find things that make you feel good

Laziness- Remove distractions that may lead you to laziness. Remind yourself of the bigger picture, of the end result. Partner up with someone that can motivate you.

Loneliness in life – Don’t isolate yourself from those around you. Reach out to others and surround yourself with those you have fun with or connect with.

Lonely in the portfolio process – Reach out to others in class. Create a group or partnership.

Motivation-lack of - Give yourself rewards for your accomplishments. Give yourself something to look forward to. Evaluate yourself and how strong your lack of motivation is and how often. Perhaps you need to re-evaluate what you are doing. Find something you are passionate about.

Overachiever – Evaluate your limits and set realistic goals. Plan out your process and use time management. This can help if you find yourself doing too much.

Perfectionism – Learn to let go and relax. Consult with friends or other designers and have them look at your work. Take a break and come back to your work.

Paralysis of thought and action – Take a break. Find or do something that inspires you.

Procrastination – Make a plan or to do list and follow it. Spread out your work so you don’t need to do too much at once.

Rationalize Things – Instead of talking yourself out of something, open up to taking risks and plan it out. Do your research before deciding something isn’t worth the time. “Trust that little voice inside your head that says, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…” and then do it.” – Duane Michals

Scared of taking risks: Turn to someone who takes risks for inspiration. Start saying Yes to things you would not normally do. Start small build up your risk factor... travel and find new experiences

Self Doubt: Keep realistic goals. find the positive in your work. Seek reassurance from a mentor/ someone you look up to.

Lack of support: Build network, surround yourself with positive people, seek the advice of someone who is a fan or supportive of your work

Sadness: Read positive thinking book, Exercise or become more active/ productive to increase endorphins, take a weekend off or a spa day.

Not enough time: Make a schedule and stick to it. Make realistic deadlines.

Time management: (see "not enough time"

Fear of the unknown: Focus on what is happening right now. Do not look too far ahead. Travel to find the unknown. Further educate yourself to expand your knowledge.

Weakness turning into strength: Research your weakness and focus on the strengths you possess within yourself