So… how do you stay in the zone?
Not a damn clue. I really have no idea, but the onset of the monthly curse known as ‘Dragon Week’ has me at the point I really need to know. I’m struck by a near overwhelming urge to bite people – not in the good way – and I doubt it will do my writing any favours.
When this happens, there are a couple of things I try to do. Why not see if they works for you?

 

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Stay Positive
The most overused cliché in existence, but you really, really (REALLY) need to. Think of all the good stuff. If it helps, think of all the bad stuff happening to other people and be glad its not you (that’s called schadenfreude by the way).
Even if you have to dig out the certificate the tooth fairy gave you because she ran out of pound coins that day when you were six. Do it. Do something or get someone else to make you smile. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel. And how quickly it works too.

 
Be Active
Not even necessarily in your work. But in your life. Go out. Ride your bike. Go for a walk. Go skating, horse riding, anything that burns up a little bit of energy. It means you’ve got less energy left for fretting, meaning you’ll use the energy you do have left far more constructively for working. Its also really healthy too. All this sitting at a computer or desk is a fantastic way of watching your arse because more and more spherical. Seriously, a little bit of running or cycling also helps to keep the wobbly bits from getting any more wobbly.

 
Have a Break
Seriously, do it. Right now if you have to. Watch some TV (in fact don’t, it will rot your brain!). Read a book. Play a game. Have a drink with friends. In effect, forget about the zone, give yourself a break from it. Those few hours away from your computer/laptop/pad and pencil does wonders for your brain. This is the one I find hardest to do myself, but after I’ve had that break, I’m more keen than ever to get back into the groove and work my big, round arse off. Resting your creative self gives it a chance to recoup and come back to the challenge with more ideas and a fresh voice.

 
Talk About It
Another one I find hard. Really hard. I bottle my feelings, thoughts and emotions up inside and when they do eventually break free is a massive Ned Flanders moment.
Don’t do that to yourself; its not good. Even more than that; don’t inflict it on the people close to you. I am blessed with a patient, kind and understanding partner who supports what I do. Even if that means I’ve locked myself in the study for a month and a half and have barely seen him. Occasionally stepping out of that study to say ‘I’m having trouble,’ or ‘can you help me?’ is wonderful. But if you’re feeling low, talk about that too. Even if its just to warn your families/significant others that you’re about to explode in a fit of frustration and panic. They deserve to be warned. And if, like me, you just need a moment to exhale… then do that too. I find that they appreciate the trust; knowing that you feel you can talk to them.

 
Cry
Not if you don’t need to obviously. Don’t run around stubbing your toe on things just to bring tears to your eyes, but if you need to cry, for god’s sake don’t hold it in. Find a comforting shoulder, or a quiet corner if that suits you better and just let it go. Not only does it hygienically clean gunk out of your eyes with a natural fluid, but it feels sooooo much better afterwards. Sometimes, that’s really all you need.

 
Be Persistent
Its not about discipline necessarily. I’ve not got very much of that. Its more about bull headed stubbornness. I’ve got plenty of that. Set backs, disappointments, rejections and failures (horrible word… let’s call them delayed successes) all take their toll. But you can’t let them keep you down. Others have talked about it briefly, but I really do believe that celebrating each rejection is an idea worth looking into. Not because it was a rejection or disappointment, but because its one more down before the success shows up. In fact… why not use each set back as an excuse to rehearse your success party? For each knock down or rejection letter, go out, or have dinner, or do whatever it is you usually do to celebrate. Pick your favourite one. Then once you have your favourite, make them bigger and better each time. Eventually, when your success does come, it will feel so wonderful that you’ll have an even BIGGER party/blow out/piss up just to be sure that you’ve capped those of your rejections. And by that point, you’ll be really bloody good at it!