I work well with deadlines...somehow things get done in time for that show or that class or for our challenges...but it takes some of the joy out of creating when I have to rush. And I wonder if it's my best work when I don't have time to experiment. Why do I procrastinate? Indecision, fear of failure, creative block. I avoid committing to an idea until I have no choice. Often it was my first idea, but I put myself through the angst and agony of indecision and doubt. Is this the curse of the artistic or even of the human being? Or is it all in my mind...Time to wash that away and jump in
For me, if it were not for deadlines, nothing would get done. I think deadlines plus overcommitment gives me an excuse to accept the 'less than best' feeling that comes from the execution of something never matching the beauty and brilliance of the unarticulated work in my mind. Rationally, I know that the discipline of simply doing the work routinely, regularly, in spite of, in addition to, and stubbornly will bring productive results and joy.
I am just coming out of a period of paying the procrastination penalty - put things off too long when life intervened and I didn't have the time to pull off what I had committed (mostly to myself).
So... how do we get to the place where the joy in the doing of the work supercedes the insecurity, indecision, fear of not being good enough, and wallowing in the angst?
I guess like the old Nike commercial - Just Do It.
This video is so good! So clever and yet shows that all the cleverness is really procrastination. and it is so British with all the cups of tea! So, I have started exercising while I wait for the kettle to boil when I make my cup of tea. It doesn't get the art done, but I feel less guilty about the doctor saying I should exercise! LOL
Seriously though, sometimes procrastination is necessary for the reflective part of a project...you need to let the subconcious work on a difficulty. however, sometimes then, it is hard to get back to it.
I have found that if I have quick and managable things going on along side the big project, it means I have something to do when I need the reflective time. being quick...like the FFFchallenges, means you don't get bogged down on that project, too.
I found a saying that was also helpful. It is attributed to Goethe.
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
If anything, it is helpful to know that procrastination isn't new! Sandy in the UK
Procrastination
I work well with deadlines...somehow things get done in time for that show or that class or for our challenges...but it takes some of the joy out of creating when I have to rush. And I wonder if it's my best work when I don't have time to experiment. Why do I procrastinate? Indecision, fear of failure, creative block. I avoid committing to an idea until I have no choice. Often it was my first idea, but I put myself through the angst and agony of indecision and doubt. Is this the curse of the artistic or even of the human being? Or is it all in my mind...Time to wash that away and jump in
ReplyDeleteFor me, if it were not for deadlines, nothing would get done. I think deadlines plus overcommitment gives me an excuse to accept the 'less than best' feeling that comes from the execution of something never matching the beauty and brilliance of the unarticulated work in my mind. Rationally, I know that the discipline of simply doing the work routinely, regularly, in spite of, in addition to, and stubbornly will bring productive results and joy.
ReplyDeleteI am just coming out of a period of paying the procrastination penalty - put things off too long when life intervened and I didn't have the time to pull off what I had committed (mostly to myself).
So... how do we get to the place where the joy in the doing of the work supercedes the insecurity, indecision, fear of not being good enough, and wallowing in the angst?
I guess like the old Nike commercial - Just Do It.
I am participating in the Art Every Day for a Month and it is really forcing me to stop the procrastination. I am having fun and trying things.
ReplyDeleteThis video is so good! So clever and yet shows that all the cleverness is really procrastination.
ReplyDeleteand it is so British with all the cups of tea! So, I have started exercising while I wait for the kettle to boil when I make my cup of tea. It doesn't get the art done, but I feel less guilty about the doctor saying I should exercise! LOL
Seriously though, sometimes procrastination is necessary for the reflective part of a project...you need to let the subconcious work on a difficulty. however, sometimes then, it is hard to get back to it.
I have found that if I have quick and managable things going on along side the big project, it means I have something to do when I need the reflective time. being quick...like the FFFchallenges, means you don't get bogged down on that project, too.
I found a saying that was also helpful. It is attributed to Goethe.
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
If anything, it is helpful to know that procrastination isn't new!
Sandy in the UK