“If you used what momentum you had, it wasn’t a waste. You’ll still hit a wall, but at least there will be something to show for it.”
YES. So often this is exactly how I have to talk myself into keeping going. Like, I’ve set myself a target to write 2000 words in a day, and about 3 words in I’m thinking: this is total rubbish. You’ll never be a writer. Why bother.
The trick is to power through that and realize, even if I’ve written 2000 words of total crap, I’m still closer now than I was when I’d written none. Maybe all I’ve done is practice how NOT to write. But that’s a practice in itself. It’s worth it for the days when I read something back and go wow, that’s actually pretty good. Those are like JEWELS.
I know that feeling alll too well. Sometimes I’ll start a post with, “Three years ago” and I’m immediately like, NOPE. But those jewels, man. Those are what we live for.
YES! Needed this. Awesome post. Favorite part: “Don’t let others’ masterpieces distract or intimidate you. Chances are, they left a lot of piles of shit behind them, too…Those people have only chosen to show you the best of themselves, and you can’t blame them for that. It might be what you’re striving for, too, but don’t be afraid to get your very worst creation out first.”
I feel ya. I have this weird, sick mind that ALWAYS likes to imagine the worst-case scenarios. Not doing myself any favors that way. It’s a habit I’m trying to break.
Ooh. Yes, I love this! You have no idea how many notebooks I have never written in for fear that whatever I write isn’t deserving of being there. Such a useless fear. I’mma bookmark this for the next time I’m paralysed by a pristine page!
(Also, may I just say, I’m secretly glad there is a buffer of a few days between us on Pooping Rainbows. I don’t need that kind of comparison!)
“You’re not doing this for the comments, the “likes,” the praise. Don’t think about your audience before you’ve even started. You’ll just be paranoid that they’ll see right through you, and you’ll be right. This is yours.”
I do this horrible thing where I get waves of momentum, directed at a particular project, and stop myself with the thought “but I should use this energy on this other thing, instead!” …but then I end up staring at the thing I’ve deemed a priority, and lost the momentum. So silly!
I totally agree that action is always better than inaction, even if that action doesn’t produce the Best Thing Evar. I’m often held back by decision paralysis while doing design work, but then I have to remind myself that producing a bunch of crap is practically a prerequisite to making something worthwhile. No one gets it right on the first try (except for those imaginary jerks who do).
I love this!
Beautiful post Cassie. Wise words indeed.
“If you used what momentum you had, it wasn’t a waste. You’ll still hit a wall, but at least there will be something to show for it.”
YES. So often this is exactly how I have to talk myself into keeping going. Like, I’ve set myself a target to write 2000 words in a day, and about 3 words in I’m thinking: this is total rubbish. You’ll never be a writer. Why bother.
The trick is to power through that and realize, even if I’ve written 2000 words of total crap, I’m still closer now than I was when I’d written none. Maybe all I’ve done is practice how NOT to write. But that’s a practice in itself. It’s worth it for the days when I read something back and go wow, that’s actually pretty good. Those are like JEWELS.
I know that feeling alll too well. Sometimes I’ll start a post with, “Three years ago” and I’m immediately like, NOPE. But those jewels, man. Those are what we live for.
YES! Needed this. Awesome post. Favorite part: “Don’t let others’ masterpieces distract or intimidate you. Chances are, they left a lot of piles of shit behind them, too…Those people have only chosen to show you the best of themselves, and you can’t blame them for that. It might be what you’re striving for, too, but don’t be afraid to get your very worst creation out first.”
In-frickin-deed.
Great advice! I let the worst case scenario slow me down or hold me back too often..
I feel ya. I have this weird, sick mind that ALWAYS likes to imagine the worst-case scenarios. Not doing myself any favors that way. It’s a habit I’m trying to break.
Ooh. Yes, I love this! You have no idea how many notebooks I have never written in for fear that whatever I write isn’t deserving of being there. Such a useless fear. I’mma bookmark this for the next time I’m paralysed by a pristine page!
(Also, may I just say, I’m secretly glad there is a buffer of a few days between us on Pooping Rainbows. I don’t need that kind of comparison!)
Nonsense! I will say I’m rather excited at the idea of being contributors to the same blog.
Co-authors!!
Wise beyond your years, Cass! Just wish I could always follow that advice……
Oooooh Pooping Rainbows! I can’t wait to read that post, I’m going there right now
“You’re not doing this for the comments, the “likes,” the praise. Don’t think about your audience before you’ve even started. You’ll just be paranoid that they’ll see right through you, and you’ll be right. This is yours.”
Shit girl, p-r-e-a-c-h.
Very well put
I do this horrible thing where I get waves of momentum, directed at a particular project, and stop myself with the thought “but I should use this energy on this other thing, instead!” …but then I end up staring at the thing I’ve deemed a priority, and lost the momentum. So silly!
Yesssss!
I totally agree that action is always better than inaction, even if that action doesn’t produce the Best Thing Evar. I’m often held back by decision paralysis while doing design work, but then I have to remind myself that producing a bunch of crap is practically a prerequisite to making something worthwhile. No one gets it right on the first try (except for those imaginary jerks who do).
Anyone who gets it right on the first try is just plain lucky. Anyone who ALWAYS gets it right on the first try is a freaking robot. I hate robots.
so spot-on! loved every word.