Welcome back to Momentum Monday.

This community was created for actors/producers, artists, authors, healers, and musicians who want more clarity, stability, and well-being — without pressure, selling, or obligation.

This week, I want to talk about something nearly every creative experiences… and almost everyone feels a little shame around:

Procrastination.

But here’s the reframe:

Procrastination isn’t a character flaw.
Most of the time, it’s a form of self-protection.

Protection from:

  • overwhelm

  • perfectionism

  • fear of getting it wrong

  • fear of being judged

  • or even fear of success

Instead of fighting procrastination, let’s work with it.

How to Create Artificial Deadlines (Without Stress)

Creativity loves freedom… but it also needs a finish line.

Here are a few gentle ways to create a deadline when motivation is missing:

1) Set a timer

Give yourself a specific amount of time.
Even 15–25 minutes can change everything.

2) Use a productivity app

Sometimes structure isn’t restrictive — it’s supportive.

3) Make a public commitment

Tell someone:
“I’ll have this done by Friday.”
Accountability creates momentum.

4) Reward yourself

Pick a small reward when you finish by your self-imposed deadline.
Not bribery — reinforcement. 😉

🍳 The Procrastination–Preparation Balance

The goal isn’t to eliminate procrastination.

The goal is to find the sweet spot between procrastination and preparation.

Here’s how you do that:

1) Do the groundwork early

Research. Gather materials. Outline your idea.

2) Let it simmer

Give your brain time to process what you collected.
This isn’t laziness — it’s creative incubation.

3) Set a “start deadline”

Decide exactly when you will begin the main work — leaving room for unexpected hiccups.

4) Work in focused bursts

Try the Pomodoro method (25 minutes on / 5 minutes off).
It helps you stay productive without burning out.

Think of it like cooking a gourmet meal:
You prep the ingredients ahead of time…
let the flavors marinate…
and then bring it all together in a final burst of creativity.

Procrastination is like spice.
A little adds flavor.
Too much ruins the whole dish.
The trick is finding the right amount for your personal taste.

🌿 Embrace Failure (The Creative Way)

Failure isn’t final — it’s feedback.

  • Failure is not a stop sign. It’s a detour sign.

  • Every failure eliminates one more way of doing things.

  • Rejection isn’t the enemy — it’s just a “not yet.”

  • Sometimes you need to step back to step forward.

  • Every setback is a setup for a comeback.

And here’s a big one:

Celebrate effort — not just results.

Because effort is how you build the identity of someone who follows through.

🎯 This Week’s Tiny Momentum Challenge (5 minutes)

Pick ONE:

Set a 25-minute timer and start the thing you’ve been avoiding
Break one big task into a “tiny start” step
Tell your Success Team one small goal you’ll complete this week
Do one small action… then celebrate it

Remember:
Done is better than perfect.

📖 Featured Author

Former Zen monk Allan Knight is the author of The Soulmate Revolution and Mind Gone Wild. He helps introspective professionals quiet the inner noise that blocks connection—so they can create deeper, more authentic relationships rooted in presence, trust, and emotional clarity.

Allan’s work is especially supportive for creatives and thoughtful people who:

  • overthink conversations or relationships

  • feel emotionally shut down or unsure what they want

  • want real connection without losing themselves

  • crave calm, grounded communication

📘 Recommended reading:
The Soulmate Revolutiona practical guide to reconnecting with love, presence, and partnership
👉 Get it on Amazon

📘 Also featured:


Mind Gone Wilda guide for quieting mental noise and building inner confidence
👉 Get it on Amazon

Shared as an educational resource for anyone who wants more peace, confidence, and connection.

You can follow Allan at the following on Linked In Facebook, and by visiting his website.

Cassi Carothers

Cassi Carothers works with creative moms who are juggling family life and a growing business. She helps them build clear, authentic brands so they can grow with confidence—without burning out or missing what matters most.

Cassi supports creative women who want to:

  • stop feeling scattered and overwhelmed

  • clarify what they truly offer (and who it’s for)

  • show up consistently without pretending to be someone they’re not

  • build a brand that fits real life—kids, chaos, and all

Her approach is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between success and sustainability. You can grow your business in a way that still feels like you.

🔗 Learn more about Cassi:
👉 website Facebook Instagram Linked-In Tik Tok

Shared as a supportive resource for our creative community

🛠️ Resource Spotlight: Business Software

Doneverse

Doneverse is a productivity and organization tool designed to help busy creatives stay focused, follow through, and actually finish what they start—without getting lost in complicated systems.

It’s especially helpful if you want to:

  • organize tasks and projects in one place

  • reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue

  • create simple routines that support consistency

  • stay accountable to your goals week by week

Because for creatives, momentum isn’t about doing more
it’s about having a system that helps you keep moving forward.

🔗 Learn more about Doneverse:
👉 Website Facebook TikTok Instagram

Healer Spotlight

Dr. Peggy Gleason

Dr. Peggy Gleason works with creative professional women in midlife and beyond who’ve spent years doing the most for everyone else.

She helps them slow down, breathe deeper, and come home to themselves building calm, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose for what comes next.

Want more support in your next chapter?
Here are a few ways to connect with Dr. Peggy:

🌿 Connect with Dr. Peggy:
👉 Join her Mid-Life and Beyond Community

📘 Suffering in Silence
👉 Kindle:

🎧 Suffering in Silence
👉 Audible:

Join Us for Momentum Monday (Free)

Momentum Monday is a free, weekly Zoom gathering where creatives come together to explore sustainable health and income habits through education, reflection, and community.

There is:

  • no selling

  • no pressure

  • no obligation

Just space to learn, listen, and connect.

Momentum Monday is shaped by the people within it.

Each week, we feature creatives, coaches, healers, authors, and builders who are doing meaningful work — often quietly, intentionally, and with integrity.

If you know someone (or are someone) who would be a thoughtful fit for this space, we’d love to hear about them.

We’re especially drawn to people who:

  • support creative well-being, clarity, or sustainability

  • lead with purpose rather than pressure

  • are building in a way that feels aligned and human

There’s no pitching required and no obligation to participate beyond being highlighted.

👉 Nominate a featured creative here:
https://www.smartnetworkguild.org/contact-us/

Thank you for helping us grow this community with care.

Thank you for being part of the beginning of this community.
We’re grateful you’re here.

Warmly,
Master Mikey
SMART Network Guild Chief Captain

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