Crushing Obstacles: Pattern-Making without Resistance
Starting to learn patternmaking might feel tricky because of a sneaky thing called resistance, which, as Steven Pressfield aptly puts it in "The War of Art," is often camouflaged by fear. Resistance is a subtle adversary, masking itself in various forms to deter individuals from stepping out of their comfort zones.
When you think about learning pattern-making, you might worry about making mistakes or not understanding everything. It can seem a bit scary to try something new, and you might feel unsure about getting really good at it. The fear of investing time and effort into a skill that seems daunting can become a formidable barrier.
As Pressfield's insight suggests, resistance is a clever opponent, but acknowledging its presence allows us to navigate through it and uncover the rewarding journey that lies on the other side of that now closed door.
To get past the initial resistance, think of pattern-making as a journey with different stages. Instead of expecting quick results, understand that it's a gradual process. Here's how to apply this mindset.
Start Small: Begin with simple and manageable projects or exercises in pattern-making. This helps build confidence gradually.
Break it Down: Instead of trying to learn everything at once, break down the skill into smaller, more digestible parts. Focus on one aspect at a time.
Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable goals for your learning journey. Celebrate small victories along the way, boosting your motivation to overcome resistance.
Seek Support: Connect with others who are learning or have mastered patternmaking. Share experiences, seek advice, and learn from their insights.
Learn from Mistakes: Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Each error is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Consistency is Key: Dedicate regular, consistent time to learning pattern-making. This helps in establishing a routine and gradually overcoming resistance.
Visualize Success: Envision the satisfaction of creating beautifully fitted garments through patternmaking. This positive visualization can help motivate you to push through resistance.
Embrace Curiosity: Approach patternmaking with a sense of curiosity and exploration. Cultivate a mindset that views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Break the Fear Barrier: Acknowledge the fear or resistance, but don't let it paralyze you. Take small steps despite the fear, and it will likely diminish as you gain familiarity.
Celebrate Progress: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your progress. Reflect on how far you've come, reinforcing the idea that overcoming resistance leads to personal achievement
Even though it might feel a bit challenging initially, taking on this new skill can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding journey. So, don't let those initial tricky feelings hold you back—give it a shot!