Propel: Tapping Into Energy When You Feel Like Turning Back [Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix Prompt #10]
May 12, 2025As I was wrapping up a big project and just about to send, it hit me. Wait...there's more! I decided to add another component to the last two sections, which meant I had to go back and add something to ALL of the other sections too.
Ah, the spiral again! Life, work and creativity do not walk a straight line.
Sometimes, as we near the end of a project, we get an unexpected burst of energy and rush toward the finish line. Yay! Sometime, we overthink and are not ready to let go. That's just procrastination. But the third possibility is you really did miss something to make your art its finest. You did need to go back and polish. So if that's the case, the spiral is your friend.
One of my own biggest struggles has been to just let go. Stop revising, Stefanie, propel yourself forward. Take your own medicine.
How to Propel Yourself Forward When You Feel Like Turning Back
Sometimes, the hardest part of finishing is that last stretch. You’ve done the bulk of the work, but now, every effort is exhausting. You turn to online shopping and kitchen cabinet scrubbing. Oh, no. Here are a few ways to push through:
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Reconnect with your why. Remind yourself why you started. What excited you about this project in the first place? Go back and look at your initial notes and remember that excitement in your body.
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Visualize the finish line. Picture what completion looks like. How will it feel to be done? What doors might this open?
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Break it down. If the final steps feel overwhelming, break them into small, manageable pieces. Focus on one thing at a time. Use your journal.
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Shift your energy. Enjoy a sun salutation. Do 10 jumping jacks. Go for a run. A burst of movement can work wonders! (Hello Writing Yoga® method)
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Change your environment. A new setting can bring a fresh perspective so if you write at your desk, try a coffee shop or library.
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Set a deadline. This is what I ALWAYS do. If you don't have an external deadline. Make one up.
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Celebrate your wins. Looking back with excitement and celebration can be just the thing you need to propel yourself forward.
Just keep moving. Even if it feels like you are taking a few steps back, the spiral will bring you back home.
Sit, Write, Move: A Practice for Momentum
This Writing Yoga® practice will help you find the energy and focus you need to push through to the finish line!
Sit
Find a moment of stillness before the final push. Set your timer with a nice alarm for 5 minutes. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and ask yourself: What is the one thing I can do right now to create momentum? Then just relax and breath. Don't try to find an answer. Notice your thoughts and when you are done relaxing, take a minute to write down your answer in your journal.
Write
Set a timer for 5–10 minutes. Think of the word "Propel." Draw a circle with the word Propel in the center. Make a mindmap or use this one below! What step will get you closer to the finish line?
Move
Stand up and physically propel yourself forward. Lunges are a fun and easy way to do this. Walk back and forth across the room one foot forward and one foot behind. Watch your knees and step softly. Feel the sensation of movement in your body. How does it shift your mindset? Let that energy carry into your work.
Let the spiral of life support you as you propel yourself forward with intention, purpose, and energy.
Next week, we’ll talk about focus! Because when you’re this close to the finish line, distractions pop up everywhere. How do you stay locked in and see it through? Let’s figure it out together.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
