Creatives constantly think about new ideas and stories. All the ones I know, do this.
The problem I have is some of the ideas I actually try. And I would like to say they land successfully every time, but they don’t; many times, they fizzle out.
After starting projects and then watching them gain no traction, I tell myself to stop all this nonsense because, obviously, I am not so good at it. Who likes to see their ideas go bust? But then, thinking about it, I often find something valuable to hold onto.
This was the start of pulling out splinters from my soul. I needed to see the value in creating something and not automatically thinking I was wrong for trying my idea out when it failed, whether I’m writing or sketching something.
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 it and moving on with a good attitude is the key, don’t you think?
Building my writing business, I have learned so much from my mistakes. I finally realized there was no need to beat myself up about the mistakes and or to keep wondering if I am on the right path. I’ve learned a lot from creating an idea, then tossing it only to start over. I really don’t like to work this way, but it’s necessary at times to get an idea started.
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; even if it doesn’t, something was learned that can be applied later to the next project.
This is the beauty of starting a project you desire to do even when you don’t have all your ducklings in a row, and sometimes (actually most of the time), the pressure of making things perfect takes the fun out of creating a thing.
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 the idea that the more we spend, the better it is, but this is not true with everything.
This reminds me of a time when I gave a homemade card and then felt cheap for giving it instead of buying a $5 Hallmark card.
Looking back, I wonder if I saw the value in my gift. I guess I didn’t because I felt guilty about not giving the expensive card.
But when a child builds or draws all kinds of crazy things and their little faces beam with pride while showing anyone who’ll look at their imagination gone wild, what do we say as adults? We say, “That is so cool! Tell me about it.”
We don’t sneer and yell, “That isn’t perfect! Go back and do it again!”
I should hope not. We probably shouldn’t judge ourselves so harshly, either.
So, my lovely friends, you do not create failure when bringing your ideas to life and for some reason, they fizzle out. Just create a new idea from the shadows of the old one and watch what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Never give up.
Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
Love, Sharon