At this second, I’m on a aircraft to what ought to be an extended R&R weekend in Cancun, Mexico. As a substitute, I’m scripting this editor’s notice and acknowledging, as soon as once more, my ongoing relationship with procrastination. I’d like to inform you that it wasn’t at all times this manner. I’d like to inform you that when upon a time, I set a writing deadline and caught with it. As a substitute, I’ll share my writing course of, which works one thing like this:
- Get excited in regards to the subject and dive instantly into analysis and interviews.
- Think about all of the cool angles I may take—perhaps even jot down a fast define.
- Spend the subsequent X days/weeks doing completely the whole lot besides writing.
- Stress about my lack of progress and make guarantees that tomorrow shall be completely different.
- Proceed avoiding mentioned writing.
- Swear to myself and others that I’ve, in truth, misplaced the power to jot down something value studying.
- Write the piece proper earlier than the deadline and notice it was by no means as troublesome of an expertise as I imagined—you recognize, aside from the sleep deprivation.
- Inform myself I’ll by no means do that once more.
- Rinse and repeat.
Right here’s the factor: I solely procrastinate on inventive initiatives, similar to writing. On the subject of assigning articles, writing emails or any variety of different duties, I’m an award-winning doer. However placing phrases to a clean (digital) web page? I’d slightly scrub tile grout.
What I’m studying (and studying, and studying), is that creativity doesn’t strike; it flows. And it flows because of motion and purposeful effort. Inspiration isn’t a random act, however the results of devoted time and intention towards your inventive work. Perfection is your best enemy. It’s admirable to set high quality requirements, however when it retains you from finishing the duty at hand, it’s doing extra hurt than good.
On this, the creativity concern, we take a look at inventive processes from throughout quite a lot of industries. How are artwork installations altering who interacts with artwork and in what method? (web page 66) What does the seemingly limitless stream of blockbuster prequels and sequels say about creativity in leisure? (web page 20) How does cowl determine Jay Shetty grapple with the intensely fashionable notion of a private model whereas staying true to his mission of therapeutic and knowledge and inside peace? (web page 42) What’s it about human connection that breathes new life into our inventive practices? (web page 82) How can we honor tradition and heritage in an more and more digital world? (web page 36)
I hope this concern brings you recent concepts you’ll be able to take to your inventive course of. I hope it helps you give your self grace and endurance and understanding if you’re struggling in your follow. I hope you’re taking the time to spend time doing issues that carry you pleasure, even when there isn’t a business aspect. I hope that you just bear in mind to not get misplaced within the thought of excellent as a result of accomplished at all times wins out.
Ideas on the brand new concern or something you see inside it? Attain me by contacting [email protected]
This text initially appeared within the September/October 2022 Problem of SUCCESS journal.
