Ah, January—the month of fresh starts, ambitious plans, and, for me, revisiting the goals I’ve already failed to meet. You know how they say, “Shoot for the stars, and even if you miss, you’ll land on the moon”? Well, I think I may have overshot the moon and landed squarely in the asteroid belt of “too many things to do and not enough time.”
Let’s start with the obvious: I’ve had to put my learning plan for Unreal Engine on pause. Again. The dream of crafting awe-inspiring worlds is currently collecting dust while I pay my bills the old-fashioned way—by writing for someone else. (Yes, someone pays me to write. I, too, am surprised every day.) This contract has been taking my time and creative energy, leaving me staring longingly at my Unreal Engine tutorials like they’re a lost love.
And then there’s Winnipeg. In winter. I’m gearing up to shoot part of a documentary project there, which means I’ll soon be braving temperatures that could turn my coffee into a popsicle before I’ve had my first sip. Naturally, I’m wondering if my creative spirit will also freeze solid. Fun fact: the cold won’t kill you if you keep moving. So that’s the plan—keep moving, preferably toward somewhere warm with snacks.
Speaking of snacks, let’s talk about my actual nemesis: my co-workers and their love of noisy chewing, slurping, and breathing. (How dare they inhale air near me!) For anyone unfamiliar with the joys of misophonia, let me paint you a picture: it’s like having your fight-or-flight response triggered by the sound of a potato chip being crunched just so. Coping strategies? Noise-canceling headphones, meditation, and the occasional “fake it ’til you make it” smile that says, “No, I am not imagining flipping this table right now.”
So how does one deal with all of this—creative goals slipping out of reach, day-job obligations creeping in, and the general chaos of being a human? Here’s what I’m trying (emphasis on trying):
- Laugh at It (Because I Don’t Cry in Public)
Humor is my go-to coping mechanism. When my carefully laid plans unravel, I remind myself that even the most successful creators had setbacks. And if they can turn their disasters into inspiring anecdotes, so can I. (Stay tuned for my TED Talk titled “How to Fail Creatively.”)
- Reframe the Timeline
Missing a deadline for personal goals doesn’t mean the dream is dead. It just means the timeline needs adjusting. I’ve started treating my creative projects like a puzzle—sometimes you’ve got to step back, find the edge pieces (hello, priorities), and work your way inward.
- Make Space for Small Wins
When life gets overwhelming, even the tiniest accomplishments count. Today, I wrote this blog post. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll tackle five minutes of a tutorial. The point is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps.
- Be Kind to Yourself
It’s easy to beat yourself up for not meeting your goals, but life happens. Sometimes paying the bills has to come first. Other times, you just need to put on your coziest socks, pour a cup of tea, and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.
- Set Boundaries (With Love and Noise-Canceling Tech)
When I can’t handle the sound of coworkers crunching their way through my sanity, I take a walk, put on white noise, or invest in better headphones. Boundaries, folks—they’re lifesavers.
- Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Yes, the short-term delays are frustrating, but the big picture is what matters. Every meeting, every contract, every small step forward is helping me build the creative career I want. The journey isn’t linear, but it’s still moving forward.
So here I am, revising my plans, trying to stay warm, and reminding myself that the hustle doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to keep going. If you’re in a similar place, remember: it’s okay to take a detour. Just don’t lose sight of your destination.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a contract to finish, a parka to pack, and a fresh batch of noise-canceling headphones to charge.
