---
title: "The Last 5% Is the Hardest"

description: 'Every creative endeavor gets hardest as the finish line draws close. Why is that? Let''s unpack the concept of "gremlins," the myths we tell ourselves about breaks, and how the musician''s journey relates to every other creative, as well as athletes and entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to the pod.'

status: complete

date: 2024-02-27

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/The-Last-5-Is-the-Hardest-e2g95qn"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-5-is-the-hardest/id1567355195?i=1000647211461&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/08I20D6Mb20v3NErBVqLbw"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Creativity"
  - "Imposter syndrome"
  - "Creative Process"
  - "Overcoming Self-Doubt"
  - "The Gremlin Concept"
  - "Musician's Journey"
  - "Finishing a Project"
  - "Emotional Challenges"
  - "Goal Setting"
  - "Artistic Growth"
  - "Motivation Techniques"

hostNote: |
  I realized that the fear means I'm close, it's a good thing, not a bad thing. That inversion is what changed how I finish things. The gremlins don't arrive randomly; they arrive at the five percent mark, which is also the only part of the process where quitting would actually cost you something.
  
  I'm finishing a record while recording this episode, which means the stakes are real and the metaphors aren't abstract. I put the music away, hiked up a mountain, listened to the whole thing, ran back down, and jumped back in. That's not a productivity hack, it's what reset the relationship with the work.
  
  The episode is honest about where I am in the climb. Not at the top, still going up. Understanding what the gremlins are and why they arrive exactly when they do makes them easier to move through rather than around.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Challenges of the Final Stretch"
    startSec: 90
    note: "I discuss the unique challenges that arise when nearing the completion of a creative project."
  - label: "The Importance of Pushing Through"
    startSec: 226
    note: "Reflects on how experiencing self-doubt can actually be a sign that you're on the right path."
  - label: "Running as a Metaphor for Creativity"
    startSec: 271
    note: "I use running to illustrate the struggle and exhaustion faced during creative endeavors."
  - label: "Facing Imposter Syndrome"
    startSec: 360
    note: "Shares a moment of vulnerability while grappling with feelings of inadequacy."
  - label: "The Power of Perseverance"
    startSec: 450
    note: "I emphasize the need to confront fears instead of allowing them to hinder the creative process."
  - label: "Embracing the Journey"
    startSec: 586
    note: "I discuss how creativity is a continuous journey with ups and downs."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "When you're close to the end, that last five percent is when they really, really try and push back at you."
    startSec: 316
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I realize that that fear means that I'm close. It's a good thing, it's not a bad thing."
    startSec: 407
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I put the music away, I finished the record and listened to the whole thing.  I ran back down the mountain, showered, jumped back in, and started producing."
    startSec: 452
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It's not like I'm at the top of the mountain here with music, I'm climbing too."
    startSec: 495
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Everything else is the other problem. The whole reason to become successful is to maximize the amount of time that you can spend on making these little vinyl records."
    startSec: 900
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What are gremlins in the creative process?"
    answer: "Gremlins refer to the self-doubt and negative thoughts that often emerge, particularly when one is nearing completion of a project."
  - question: "How can I overcome imposter syndrome as a musician?"
    answer: "Acknowledging and confronting feelings of inadequacy is crucial; pushing through these feelings can lead to significant personal and professional growth."
  - question: "Why is the last part of a project the hardest?"
    answer: "The final stretch often brings heightened scrutiny and self-doubt, making it a psychological challenge to complete."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---