Good morning!
Just when I think my meditation practice has transformed me, I lose my f*ing mind because our neighbours have parked in front of our house for the third time this week, taking our only spot. Because I can’t murder them, and it’s not in my best interest to leave an aggressive note on their windshield, I’ve decided to write to you.
Last week I was trying to move a creative project forward and for six different reasons was completely blocked. The process inside my head sounded something like: What I make is going to suck, *makes thing*, *thing sucks*, see look I told you, repeat. I forgot the fundamental truth in making anything: you have to make a lot of things that suck before you make anything good.
Because I think hearing the truth from outside ourselves is helpful, here are 5 different points of view circling the same gravitational pull:
Steve Jobs on a giving yourself a little more time to make something great:
“Well, things get more refined as you make mistakes. I’ve had a chance to make a lot of mistakes. Your aesthetics get better as you make mistakes. But the real big thing is: if you’re going to make something, it doesn’t take any more energy – and rarely does it take more money – to make it really great. All it takes is a little more time. Not that much more. And a willingness to do so, a willingness to persevere until it’s really great.”
John Mayer on the stupid bravery of creating:
“I don’t always do it, because it requires a stupid bravery, all the time”. He’s clear: “You gotta keep forcing it, forcing it, forcing it.” … “Be fearless, fearless, fearless.”
A specific and human moment from Rick Rubin on The Armchair Expert that illustrates how important knowing and liking yourself is.
Mid-recording, Rick requests the room be less cold. The co-host Dax is impressed, he tells Rick his people pleasing habit would have stopped him from speaking up. Rick replies, “Why do I care if you like me? “I’m here to be myself. I hope you like me, but I’m not going to change me so you like me. There lies the job of creativity, knowing yourself, being ok with yourself, and being able to say it feels cold in here.”
Writer Anne Lamont on the bullshit of perfectionism, from her book Bird by Bird (currently reading).
“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it.”
Broadcaster Ira Glass on having stellar taste but making art that disappoints you.
“The most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Do a huge volume of work.”
Tbh, I think I needed that pep talk more than you did. This week, let’s do things differently. We’ll be ourselves, be ok with who that is, and we’ll try stuff. OK?
Thanks for reading.
Caitlin
I love your honesty and realusm girl! Stay true!
Love you ❤️