I’ve spent a lot more time thinking about starting things than actually starting, but recently that’s begun to change.
The shift happened as I realized that my idea of inspiration wasn’t entirely accurate with reality.
In my mind, “inspiration strikes” and then action occurs. It’s like the metaphor of a lightbulb going off in your head, followed by a burst of fervent and passionate work.
In reality, I think that model of inspiration is only accurate 20% of the time. In most cases, it’s entirely inverted.
To understand what I mean, let's listen to the multi-talented director, screenwriter, producer, and musician Robert Rodriguez, who explains it well:
“Even if I didn’t know what to do, you just had to begin. … You have to act first before inspiration will hit.”
This idea seems counterintuitive, but it’s inherent in the creative process. Creative professionals understand this, but it's lost on the rest of us.
Don't get me wrong, I still find moments of complete inspiration that elicit action. But it's most often the case that beginning the work is what allows inspiration to arise.
Sometimes the recipe is simple, even if it isn't easy.
We need to sit ourselves down, block out distractions, and face the empty page, screen, canvas, or whatever our medium is.
It’s showing up, putting in the time, and allowing inspiration to come when she’s ready.
What are you waiting for?
Words of Wisdom
“What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”