More Musings on Pursuing Creative Passions
In thinking about my annual resolutions column, I find myself pondering the concept of “commitment”.
For example, I’ve recently re-committed to watching the entire “Farscape” sci-fi series again (because I’m apparently going for a Boy Scout “Geek” badge). But seriously, the more I interact with specialists and creative types in WNC who toil so diligently at their respective crafts and businesses, I’m inspired by their continuous dedication!
As a multi-disciplinary professional myself, I have come to realize how so many of us work so hard in so many areas in addition to all our other daily endeavors. Commitment requires escalating levels of diligence, and an expenditure of energy, time and money — understandable sacrifices when we’re doing what we love.
I’m suggesting here that commitment is about passion. Nearly everyone is awesomely zealous about at least one thing. Our range of fascinations are as limitless as there are folks on the planet. I have mentioned in the past how if one wants to be a rocket scientist, there’s no time like the present to start taking classes. The same goes for any matter we’re excited about. Don’t wait for January 1 — start today!
Passion isn’t necessarily raucous. It can be as effortless and smooth as those almost unnoticed moments, like when I realize how nice it is to sit in a sunbeam with my cat and a good book. It can also be deservedly-wrought, like when I draw the right line or shape or color, or when I find a way to use an unusual word in my writing (i.e. “raucous”!).
These little happenings can be quite satisfying. Many find great delight not only in successfully navigating one’s own projects, but also in assisting others with theirs. We are a community of wondrous helpers.
One of the grandest ways one can arrive at these fine mental and physical spaces in our lives is to COMMIT. Think about committing to a plan. Walk in the woods. Take pictures. Scrub the floors. Whatever it takes to get you to that compelling moment, where you then jump in without hesitation.
Some additional thoughts about how to get there:
1) Schedule regular days, times, places and routines. Perhaps rise an hour earlier. I write best in the mornings, and I sit at my father’s desk, which he and his father built together in 1949. I draw every day, but it also helps me to arrange two to three-hour blocks of time for more complex projects.
2) Set realistic goals for ventures. If you typically write encapsulated stories of 2500 words or less, work on honing your short story craft. If you want to write novels, seek advice on how to do that, and keep writing every day.
3) Enter shows and competitions. There’s nothing like an actual deadline to keep one on schedule! When I have to finish twenty drawings on a particular theme, knowing I will also be facing photography, framing, advance PR and more, my organizational level increases quite a bit.
4) Sign up with a community of your peers. Joining a gallery, and sharing within critique groups help us learn and grow. It also helps to have professional friends who are committed to mutual accountability.
5) And here’s an atypical tactic: Adopt a pet. I guarantee you will spend more time at home. For me, this has increased my creative time. But with more meowing and toy mousie-chasing in the background.
It’s almost time to embrace January. Some address their intentions every day, but generally, we are once again cresting that universal moment when a majority purposefully think about what the next year might bring, whole-heartedly jotting down goals and plans.
I cheerfully challenge you to add to your list the over-the-top dreams you truly, truly desire, and then go ahead and see how committing to even just one or two of them plays out during your 2014. Happy New Year!