Creatives constantly think about new ideas. All the ones I know do this, anyway.
The problem I have is that I actually try lots of my ideas. And I would like to say they land successfully every time, but they don’t; many, many times, they fizzle out.
After starting projects and then watching them gain no traction, I would tell myself to stop all this nonsense because, obviously, I am not so good at it. Who likes to see their ideas go bust?
Should I stop?
I had to dig deep and do some reimagining.
This was the start of pulling splinters out of my soul and being okay with how a creative mind works.
I needed to see the value in creating something and not automatically thinking I was wrong for trying out my idea when it failed, whether I’m writing or sketching.
But after trying one idea and watching it die, another one will pop into my head.
I have to say, I often find something valuable to hold onto with each new try, like pieces of a puzzle I tuck away in a memory box.
Have you ever painted a room to find out you didn’t like the color? Sometimes you start projects that don’t work out, but scrapping them and moving on with a good attitude is the key, don’t you think? Try, anyway.
Building my ideas, I have learned so much from my mistakes. I finally realized, after a long while, that there was no need to beat myself up about my mistakes or keep wondering whether I am on the right path.
I’ve learned a lot from creating an idea, then tossing it, only to start over with the same idea with a new twist. I really don’t like working this way, but it’s sometimes necessary to begin. Starting is important. Otherwise, we never do.
I believe all creative ideas work, even if they don’t look like they are going anywhere. One small idea can lead to a grand idea; a few notes on the piano become a sheet of music if the creator doesn’t quit.
This is the beauty of starting a project you want to do, even when you don’t have all your ducks in a row; it’s okay. And sometimes (actually, most of the time) the pressure to make things perfect takes the fun out of creating, so don’t worry about all your scattered ducks.
Sure, a beautiful Hallmark card may say exactly what you wanted on perfectly folded paper, with its glossy ink and amazing artwork. Still, a handwritten note in your scribbly cursive that says, “you mean everything to me,” is waaaay more lovely.
Can you see the value in the handwritten note? I have a hard time believing something so simple is valuable. We are conditioned to believe that the more we spend, the better it is, but this is not true for everything.
Side note…this reminds me of a time when I gave a homemade card and then felt cheap for giving it instead of buying a $7 Hallmark card, which made me feel embarrassed.
Looking back, I wonder if I saw the value in my gift. I guess I didn’t because I felt bad about not giving the expensive card.
But when a child builds a craft or draws all kinds of crazy things on a piece of plain paper, and then wants to show you, do you look at their precious little faces, sneer, and yell, “That isn’t perfect! Go back and do it again!”
No.
We say, “This is so cool! I like the way you drew that house. That is a house, right? Of course it is, I knew it! Tell me about it,” and then you flash them a cheesy smile.
We probably shouldn’t judge ourselves so harshly, either. Learn to flash yourself a cheesy smile while looking at your project and say, “This is so cool!”
So, my lovely friends, you do not create failure when you bring your ideas to life, and then they fizzle out.
Nope.
It’s just a beginning.
We will create a new idea from the shadows of the old one and watch what happens. This is the beautiful life of a creative. This is how we work.
Never give up.
Love, Sharon
Your thoughts?