When I’m My Most Difficult Client
Create an environment for success with your most difficult client — even if that person is you.
Step two in planning a Creative Retreat is setting the expectations.
You’re the Client
I started writing about the Creative Retreat I gave myself as a gift. To make sure I got the most out of it, I needed to set the right tone. The first thing I know about myself is that I’m rebellious. (So difficult!, as my husband loves to say.) If there are rules, I’m going to find a way to rebel against them. This is a good thing in a creative setting, that mutinous attitude can produce all sorts of great ideas. Two things I need are structure and fluidity: A plan that is too open, I’ll wander aimlessly from room to room wondering what to do. Too rigid and I’ll reject it all and end up doing nothing.
You’re the Guest
I decided the best way to handle this difficult client was to create distance between me and the plan. So I treated myself like I was a guest to the retreat and sent myself a PDF welcome letter with a schedule.
Here’s the welcome letter I sent to myself, from me the Creative Retreat Director:
Creative Retreat
Welcome to the Creative Retreat! Your time here will be spent renewing your intention towards a project and recharging your creativity. We expect great things!
We encourage you to participate fully and to be fluid. Be aware of when you need to stop. Be aware of when you need to keep going (even when you feel like stopping.) Identify the difference between fatigue and fear. Start each day with stretching, meditation, a walk or a swim. Center yourself.
Here is your plan for the week. We hope and expect that you will stick to it and simultaneously make it what you need it to be in the moment.
You’re the Director
You are in charge of your creativity and your energy. When you put a little distance between yourself and your plan for your creativity (i.e. your NaNoWriMo schedule) you establish your own authority over your energy. Planning and executing a Creative Retreat as the Director and as the Client was really helpful to getting the most out of the experience for me.
