I’m thinking about the amount of work that has to go into creative success, no matter how you define “success” for yourself. And across the board, in my opinion, quality work means extended deep focus. Such dedication requires a removal of feigned personalities. Pretending to be someone you’re not is utterly exhausting. If you’re metContinue reading “Werk Authentically”
Tag Archives: productivity
Delight in Just the Thought
I’m noticing a trend in my circles that makes me feel icky. Artists do not need to be “productive” to be good artists. We don’t need to be churning out viral videos, TV pilots, or reams of great poetry to be deemed worthy. I’m seeing a number of people (including myself) feeling uninspired or overwhelmedContinue reading “Delight in Just the Thought”
This Too is True
A common theme in my creative efforts these days is granting myself permission. For example, I grant myself permission to hold two opposing concepts as true. Yes, I’ve been easily distracted lately. But I’ve also been writing interesting material. I may not be dedicating a lot of time to perfecting what I make, but IContinue reading “This Too is True”
Rigid Needs
I’m learning to be easier on myself for having particular needs during the creative process. I find I write best on Saturday nights, usually after 10pm. I love this quote from President Barack Obama, pulled from a recent New York Times interview. He’s also a fan of late-night writing: “I find that the world narrows,Continue reading “Rigid Needs”
Bold Purpose
Here’s a book recommendation: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. I’m sad that my copy is stuck in the city I left a few months ago. It contains so many well-articulated arguments for giving a clearer purpose to any type of gathering we host. The lessons in the book are particularly important now, whenContinue reading “Bold Purpose”
Slow, Slow Start
A lot of what I write here takes the form of permission slips: “Forgive yourself for…” “Allow yourself to be…” (I think it’s pretty clear that I’m often writing these “slips” for myself. Is that self-absorbed? Maybe. But I also believe that what’s true for me can be true for others. For me, making artContinue reading “Slow, Slow Start”
Sit With It
Sometimes good things take time. Or so I keep telling myself as I put off writing. In yet another attempt at not being too hard on myself, perhaps the statement is true. Complicated ideas will unfold slowly. Sitting with a project for a bit and not forcing something from it can be a good wayContinue reading “Sit With It”
Be a Goldfish
Has anyone been watching Ted Lasso? It’s a fantastic show. The protagonist has many quotable lines, but my favourite is “Be a goldfish.” There comes a point where you have to let go of that harmful event from your past. Goldfish are known to have limited memory spans and forget things quickly… So, be aContinue reading “Be a Goldfish”
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