Have you ever been in the midst of an important project and found yourself blocked? You just couldn’t muster the energy or find the creative juice to complete it. Whether it is something creative like writing an article or something you want to accomplish like building a bookcase, there are times when the task ahead seems Herculean.
No one likes feeling blocked but it happens. You are pushing yourself but it feels like walking through molasses. At times like these, try listening to what your inner voice is saying. My inner voice is often says something like “if you don’t get this right and get it done soon, you are going to look bad or embarrass yourself.”
If your inner voice is worried about how you will look to others, it may be that your ego is too strongly involved – a sure prescription for a muddy outcome or no progress at all.
The best way to return to the ease of moving forward is to shift your perspective from first person to third person. Rather than focus on how to save face or look good to others – the ego’s focus – shift your thoughts to what purpose the project serves. Perhaps it isn’t necessary to do something perfectly, but good enough to serve its purpose.
The second Solar Eclipse of the year is coming Sept 11 (yes, 9/11) at 19 Virgo. Virgo represents the urge toward purification and perfect function, but in the process Virgo’s can be highly self-critical which can then produce “a paralysis of analysis.” On the other hand, Virgo also represents the urge to serve, to work in practical ways to heal the problems that they discern with people, animals and the environment.
Looking out at our society and government, clearly we need more Virgoan attention right now. Fortunately, Sept 2 Saturn moves from Leo to Virgo where it will be for the next two and a half years.
All the Leos out there will be delighted since Saturn has been quite burdensome, taking them away from play and forcing them to face their responsibilities. Next Leos will get lessons in being more responsible with their money, but that’s another story.
What September promises is more awareness of what needs fixing. If as you develop your plans and start to implement them, you find yourself procrastinating or feeling blocked – remember to listen to your inner voice. Is it critical? Is it worried about how you will look or if you’ll be embarrassed? Simply move from first person to third person by remembering what purpose the project serves and get your ego out of the way. So much more can be accomplished.
A Quote of Note
“Innovation isn’t so risky in the long run. Mediocrity is risky. Complacency is risky. Standing still is the riskiest move you can make.”
–Tom Kelley, IDEO
