I teach goal setting workshops and this is the point I try to drive home as well: the point isn't the end goal, the point is who you become, the act of doing the thing is point! Running a marathon isn't the point it is being a runner, someone who makes running a habit. Finishing the book isn't the point it is being a writer, someone who makes writing a habit. That is the HUGE perspective shift that needs to take place so that you can actually accomplish the end goal (and maybe enjoy the process?). It's about the brain too, your brain will be too overwhelmed striving for the end goal (and the perfectionism) but if you understand the goal is to write, every day, and don't quit, your brain can get behind that!
Van Gogh is an inspiration (and such a perfectionist am I right?)
Thank you, Amanda! Yes, to all of this! The brain perspective shift is really helping me calm down, to realize, I'm already doing the thing! Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might enjoy it ;) And thanks, as always, for reading!
Very enlightening and inspirational. I never studied art, so I love how you brought in Van Gogh and took it full circle to writing. I write, therefore I am [a writer].
Thank you! As a writer, I enjoy learning from visual art because my brain needs that splash of color. We're all trying to say something, convey some idea, and finding the right form is half the battle. Thanks for reading!
What a great post, Meghan. So insightful and honest. And such a great reminder, that drafting IS the art, even if we can't see it. Thanks for posting this!
I couldn't agree more---to practice, practice, practice! As transparent as writing is (honestly, it's just words) could it be more subtle an art? Like any other art form, despite being made up entirely of words, it is so very difficult to precisely say what it is that makes a piece really good.
And sometimes that's the joy--to unlock the exact right words that allow us to say exactly what we mean...even when words aren't enough. Thanks for reading, Eric!
I love, love, love this!
I teach goal setting workshops and this is the point I try to drive home as well: the point isn't the end goal, the point is who you become, the act of doing the thing is point! Running a marathon isn't the point it is being a runner, someone who makes running a habit. Finishing the book isn't the point it is being a writer, someone who makes writing a habit. That is the HUGE perspective shift that needs to take place so that you can actually accomplish the end goal (and maybe enjoy the process?). It's about the brain too, your brain will be too overwhelmed striving for the end goal (and the perfectionism) but if you understand the goal is to write, every day, and don't quit, your brain can get behind that!
Van Gogh is an inspiration (and such a perfectionist am I right?)
Love your newsletters! Always a pleasure!
Thank you, Amanda! Yes, to all of this! The brain perspective shift is really helping me calm down, to realize, I'm already doing the thing! Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might enjoy it ;) And thanks, as always, for reading!
Very enlightening and inspirational. I never studied art, so I love how you brought in Van Gogh and took it full circle to writing. I write, therefore I am [a writer].
Thank you! As a writer, I enjoy learning from visual art because my brain needs that splash of color. We're all trying to say something, convey some idea, and finding the right form is half the battle. Thanks for reading!
Keep exploring your potential...
Practice your craft....
I am a fan
Thank you, Michael!
What a great post, Meghan. So insightful and honest. And such a great reminder, that drafting IS the art, even if we can't see it. Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for reading, Diana! I really appreciate it.
I couldn't agree more---to practice, practice, practice! As transparent as writing is (honestly, it's just words) could it be more subtle an art? Like any other art form, despite being made up entirely of words, it is so very difficult to precisely say what it is that makes a piece really good.
And sometimes that's the joy--to unlock the exact right words that allow us to say exactly what we mean...even when words aren't enough. Thanks for reading, Eric!