What kind of feelings do we need to commit to a project? Does it have to be WOO HOOO!!!! Or can it be something else?
I just realized that for me, I don’t need to feel WOW THIS IS GOING TO BE SO GREAT I AM SO EXCITED TO WRITE THIS. It doesn’t have to be a sparkly rainbow party kind of energy.
It can be a different level of commitment. Right now I feel committed, curious, a bit scared but mostly inspired to write this story. I have a range of feelings that are motivating me. These emotions run underneath every decision we make.
Most of the external stuff – when, where to write – is easy enough. The emotional undercurrents require a bit more tending.
When these feelings threaten to force me to the sidelines, I lean in on curiosity. I can’t live with this possibility. I must live with the effort to see this story to its conclusion. In an exercise from Story Genius, we’re asked to write the point of the story. Here’s the point of my Portugal novel:
Taking big risks is worth it even when it’s scary, hard, or doesn’t turn out the way you hoped it would.
This point underpins everything I believe about creativity and life. It’s what I want for you and for everyone.
I am curious to see what happens when I take on this project that’s been on my list for almost a decade.
I wonder about you. What energy/feeling/vibe do you feel is required to commit to a project? Does it have to be bright and shiny? Or can it also be a bit of something else?
I’m curious to know. Share your thoughts about what emotions you require to commit to a project below.
Leave a comment below!
Intention underlies the risk. If it matters at some core level then finishing the story is easier. I am 15000 words away from complete a novel and struggling with that completion. Your essay just kicked me in the butt and reminded me why I started in the first place. Thank you!
I am glad this inspired you to recommit to your novel! It’s usually super hard at the end. But you know how to do this! Have fun with it and enjoy your renewed commitment to your book.
Unlike many of your authors my projects are of a physical nature and require me to take them on aggressively to meet the schedules of my clients. The challenge for me and my team are to find a way to engage in and support the process of designing and documenting buildings while at the same time providing creative outlets that enhance the project beyond just utilitarian building. As we work in a a world of competitive fees we often cannot obtain additional compensation to make something better resolved and stronger in design so that falls to us and our own level of commitment to make things special, all within the same time constraints. Writing is a challenge for me and your writers have a special place of dedication and perseverance that I admire greatly. At least my work is social, involves teams of architects and contractors to be realized and allows for beaks from solitude.
Hi Michael,
The constraints in your work are intense and a lot is outside of your control. You have to bring your magic and pitch it and then do a lot of dancing to collaborate with your clients.
I am in awe of what you create. The collaborative nature of architecture is beyond what I could imagine myself doing.
I wonder how you manage the emotions when things get tough with clients or when deadlines seem impossible to meet. Do you use your sketchbook to hash things out?