How do you feel when you begin a new creative project? If you’re anything like me I guess you feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I’ve written the first chapter of a new book this week. In some ways I’ve been working towards this book for nearly 40 years and it explores one of the central themes of my life. It matters to me and I know, if I write it well, it could touch many people. In fact, if enough people were able to make the shift of perspective I’m exploring in my book it would change the world!
Because there’s a lot riding on it so it’s not surprising that doubts kicked in right away: Am I a good enough writer to do justice to my subject? Can I express myself clearly enough and simply enough to really inspire and move people?
I’m an experienced writer and I’ve written a lot of books so I know these kind of questions are inevitable and I don’t let them stop me. But I know this is where many people get stuck – right at the beginning. And I’m not just talking about writing, it can happen with any kind of creative project you care about. You get all fired up and excited and then, as soon as you begin, all those “am I good enough?” doubts leap up like scary monsters to make your life a nightmare.
The thing is, yes, you have to be “good enough” but you don’t have to be perfect – and there’s a big difference. Perfectionism at the beginning of a creative project is a killer. So when you see it coming, maybe it’s time to make another choice. Put your doubts aside for now and choose to see your creative work, not as your nightmare adversary, but as your dream friend with whom you are building a glorious relationship. For most of us becoming “good enough” with any skill only comes with practice. I’ve learned to write by writing just as you learn to ride a surf board by surfing – and in both cases the process includes being willing to have fun, make a mess, fall off the vehicle and then get back on again – and to do that over and over just for the fun of it.
For me, stepping onto the fresh virgin page of a new book and making my mark on it, always has the thrill of a new adventure. I know I will be tested and I will also be charmed and surprised. Even though my subject matter is familiar to me, when I enter my project in the spirit of discovery, I’m being led into new territory and if I show up 100% and give it my best, I will certainly be transformed by the process. I will also come face to face with my limitations and this can be humbling. But my limitations also motivate me. Other people have told me many times in my life that I couldn’t do something I wanted to do and that just made me more determined. The trick is to maintain an attitude of curiosity, experimentation and non attachment even when I’m doing something I really care about and want to succeed with.
Yes, I’d love to write something startlingly original which opens hearts and awakens minds, and at the same time, I know that writing is a vehicle for my growth. The real questions that matter are:
Will I allow the ideas and inspiration coming through me to open, touch and move me, so that I become the change I want to see in the world?
Will I care enough about myself to show up every day at the page?
Will I give myself the satisfaction of completing my book?
When I allow myself the joy and excitement, the deep sense of purpose and the new learning that comes from meeting challenges; when I nurture a growing trust in the creative process and appreciate the strength that comes with keeping promises to myself, I know that anything further is a bonus. The only transformation I can commit to, is mine. This is where I begin and writing is my best trusty travelling companion.
If you are exploring your creative process through writing, my next Do You Want to Write a Book programme starts on May 16 and this could be a perfect way to support you to get into a satisfying creative rhythm and a writing practice that will support your creativity in many ways.
Or, if you prefer to discover and explore your creativity through conversation I have a Deep Discovery Conversations training starting on the same day.
If either of these options appeal to you, please contact me now., the door will be closing on Monday 9th.
I’d also love to explore any questions you have about your creative process. What questions are arising for you? Click on the “Leave a reply” link at the top of this post and send me your questions.
Here’s to your creative joy!
