“There are really three parts to the creative process. First there is inspiration, then there is the execution, and finally there is the release.”
Eddie Van Halen
A creative life is all about repetition. First, repetition gives you a routine, then makes you better faster, and finally, it builds you into the creative person you wish to be.
Repetition creates routine (habit / ritual / space)
In order to build a life around a creative pursuit, we must make it apart of your normal routine. To be an X, we must do X. To be a painter, you must paint. Writer’s write. Designer’s design. Musician’s play. Being someone who wishes they could draw doesn’t cut it either. A creative life requires work.
But what about the things we used to enjoy? It’s perfectly natural to retire/archive what you once were, and quit what you don’t enjoy. But if your desire is purse a craft and create, then you must create on a consistent basis.
Repetition makes you better faster.
Being a creative — aka being an X who does an X thing — doesn’t make you great at your creative pursuit. We all start at a different level of playing field with the talent and resources we bring to our craft, but talent and resources quickly lose out when it comes to practicing consistently and deliberately. The more we practice, the more talent doesn’t matter. Gene’s matter to an extent. Does inconvenient Gene’s stop you from doing what you love? No! If you want to play for the NBA but are too short to ride any rides at Disneyland, then you’ve got your work cut out for you. In fact, being short and having to find clever and unique ways to stand out might be to your advantage.
Repetition builds creative muscle.
The more you create and explore your art, the more ideas will flow out of you (…eew ). We could have a string of bad creative ideas for seven days but on the eighth day have an amazing idea. Would we have had the great idea if we haven’t gone through the crappy ones? Who’s to say. I think ideas sometimes hit us at the right moment, and other times need some time to stew. I find myself writing about similar ideas, but approaching them at different angles with fresh eyes.
Have you gotten your reps in today?
STAY BOLD, Keep Pursuing,
— Josh Waggoner | Daily Blog #767
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