Originally posted on Nov. 8, 2015

How many times do we really take steps back voluntarily to reflect on life? And I’m not talking about those times when something fails and we are made to step back. No. I’m speaking of those moments before an obstacle or failure hits, where we pause, look up and step back to take a look at the bigger picture.

This notion hit me yesterday as I was working on my next book. I’ve been writing and writing for the past six months on this one just letting my creative juices flow. However, this pass month it has been hard to focus on the book — ideas started to become stale and boring to me. I could feel a writer’s block brewing. So, instead of trying to run through this impending road block, I decided to take a day and step back. Look at what I had and then where I was trying to go, and boy did I reveal some major issues.

It made me think how horrible it may have been if I would have just pushed through, hoping for the best. Why hope for the best when you can ensure that your best shines through by just reflecting and reviewing the big picture.

It takes artists weeks, months or even years to complete one masterpiece because they allow themselves to step back and look at their progress. We should all make time to do the same.

“Life can be a masterpiece if you just take the time to stand back and reflect on it.” – DNC

This week, make yourself stop and look up. Review your progress. Become mindful of how to make the next best steps and then move. You’re masterpiece will soon come together before you even realize it.

*DNC