My creative vision is big. I have no shortage of "great" ideas. Probably too many. And I tackle them all at once. This is not a time saver. This is a time waster. By three in the afternoon just when my creativity seems to be peaking, I have to slow down and juggle all those after-school activites. Working on so many creative pursuits often means my completed projects don't match my ambitions. Unfortunately, this is exactly when creative types like me end up procrastinating--or worse, quitting.
Here's the first truth about my creative process that I rarely admit: I am too easily distracted, but that is also how I think I get so many "great" ideas.
Here's the second truth: Even though I think I have good taste, I can't be an expert on everything. (Remember Nora Ephron's line from her movie Harry Met Sally: "Everybody thinks they have good taste and a sense of humor but they couldn't possibly all have good taste.")
Ira Glass, executive producer and host of This American Life is one of the best storytellers around. He admits finding creative success includes running head first into a few obstacles, but he doesn't think we should give up and buy into the excuses we tell ourselves.
Here are four things to try to get back on track. And don't just listen to me, this is what Ira says too.
1) If you end up unhappy with the end result of your creative efforts, don't give up.
2) Force yourself to do more. Lots more!
3) Complete--the word "complete" is key--a volume of creative work.
4) Put yourself on a deadline. If you don't have someone waiting to see what you've done, don't despair. Just add me to your list of admirers and picture someone eagerly waiting to see your finished project. If you want send me an update on @Momathon on Twitter. I will respond!
Remember, now comes the fun part. Grab your camera, your laptop, your paints or whatever and get working. And don't forget to check in. I'm looking forward to your updates.
You can watch part three of Ira's four part series on storytelling and creativity in this clever mini lecture video above or here. You can watch part four of his storytelling mini lecture here.
"The grass is always greener" photo by me, Chris Olson.
