Create More Think Less

For years I was guilty of mind wandering. Thinking really, really hard about getting more writing done, but not actually doing the work. I once toyed with the idea of writing “professional thinker” in the open section of a job application.

Writing is no tougher gig than any other creative work. I don’t believe in writer’s block. It’s another excuse made by lazy people to delay sitting their ass down and writing. There’s plenty of reason for not starting. I keep my list handy for the proverbial rainy day. Putting aside all the self-hate (not good enough, not qualified, no representation, etc.) most creative types worry about what everyone else will think of their work. Guilty again.

This is true in any work where you plan to eventually put yourself out there for all the world to judge. It’s terrifying to stand up and bare all. Going public invites criticism. It also invites praise. And neither one of these positions matter to your craft of creating what you love.

You will find critics and detractors no matter if you’ve entered a pie at the county fair, performed in a summer stock production or presented a PowerPoint on the decline of customer satisfaction to a business group.

After you’ve managed to smack yourself upside the head for the faulty work, you’ve got proof positive from the public. Your work is just what you’ve said: immature, inconsistent, amateur, unprofessional or whatever.

At the very least, giving credence to the naysayers is counter-productive.

It’s best to get to the work out there without worrying about what you or anyone else thinks of it. By creating the work you will learn and grow, get better at what you’ve chosen to do and refine your craft. If you ever manage to satisfy yourself by the work you create, rest assured, there’s a critic in the wings deciding if you are worthy.

Screw ’em. Keep producing.

Be F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio
Image: Pixabay