The Artist’s Way: Week 4

Last week I wrote about Chapter 3 and leadership qualities and blocks.That chapter was a week late, since I began to experience severe scheduling issues. I’m still having issues with time and scheduling. I don’t think that’s going to go away. It’s something I should have been able to anticipate but somehow didn’t.

For those of you paying attention, this is my second attempt to make it through all 12 chapters of the book. One of the reasons I decided to blog the experience this time was to hold myself publicly accountable, making me less likely to abandon the project midway (as I did last time). I don’t remember how far I got in my last attempt, but I am determined that I am going to finish the journey this time.

The ongoing tools continue: daily morning pages, affirmations and weekly time-outs.

The Third Transformation: Part One
Week Four — The Abyss

Of all the chapters I’ve reviewed so far, this week’s chapter hit me the hardest. And I haven’t even done the assignments yet. This week is all about anger and overwork, in particular overworkaholism. I read the chapter twice.

Quote from the book:

Much of what passes for depression is actually blocked creativity.

TOOL: Admitting your emotions

As you can guess from the name, this assignment is about admitting your feelings without judgment. Set up a safe place, with privacy; choose soothing music; complete the following statement 10 times: If I let myself admit it, I feel ________________________________.

TOOL: Anger as a map

The book covers the different ways anger can be a productive feeling:

1. Anger is uncomfortable;
2. Anger is useful;
3. Anger announces our boundaries and goads us in the direction of our dreams;
4. If unchanneled, anger is a highly destructive force; and,
5. If channeled for change, anger is a booster rocket.

List three situations that anger you. Identify why you are angry, and write about each one. Identify what positive action you can use your anger to accomplish.

TOOL: True confessions

Write down everything that you find embarrassing or threatening in your current work environment. Take up to 30 minutes, but not more. Don’t censor yourself and don’t judge yourself.

TOOL: Define your inner wall

You will need to check the book for this one. It covers assignments about core values, breaches to your inner wall, past incidents and what you’ve learned for the future.

TOOL: Workaholism quiz

Another Tool for which you’ll actually need the book. It’s eye-opening. A few quotes to share:

Most blocked creatives do not work. They overwork.

And…

Workaholism is a block, not a building block.

And…

The trick is to lean to differentiate between work and overwork.

TOOL: Bottom line

In my opinion, the most important assignment of the week. Set a bottom line clearly defining the behaviors around work that are self-abusive. And, do not go past them. Once you have learned to tell the difference between work and overwork, you need to keep to behaviors that will keep you from overworking.

TOOL: Signposts

Post a sign that tells you:

• Quantity does not equal quality.
• Overwork is not working.
• Workaholism is a block, not a building block.

TOOL: The “Fraudian Slip”

List five reasons why you feel like a fraud. For each reason, write the viewpoint that counters it. Be truthful about what makes you feel like a fraud, but also in the counter points.

* * *

My “The Artist’s Way at Work” journey:

• A new year, a new project: navigating The Artist’s Way
• The Artist’s Way: Week 1 — Week One summary and assignments
• The Artist’s Way: Week 2 — Week Two summary and assignments, and review of Week One
• The Artist’s Way: Week 3 — Week Three summary and assignments, and review of Week Two
• The Artist’s Way: Week 4 — Week Four summary and assignments, and review of Week Three
• The Artist’s Way: Week 5 — Week Five summary and assignments, and review of Week Four
• The Artist’s Way: Week 6 — Week Six summary and assignments, and review of Week Five
• The Artist’s Way: Week 7 — Week Seven summary and assignments, and review of Week Six
• The Artist’s Way: Week 8 — Week Eight summary and assignments, and review of Week Seven
• The Artist’s Way: Week 9 — Week Nine summary and assignments, and review of Week Eight
• The Artist’s Way: Week 10 — Week Ten summary and assignments, and review of Week Nine
• The Artist’s Way: Week 11 — Week Eleven summary and assignments, and review of Week Ten
• The Artist’s Way: Week 12 — Week Twelve summary and assignments, and review of Week Eleven
• The Artist’s Way: the last week — review of Week Twelve

Additional Links and References:
(Some links are affiliate):

• Book — “The Artist’s Way at Work: Riding the Dragon“