The Art of Finishing: Why Completing Projects Is Your Creative Superpower
Because Half-Done Doesn't Cut It Anymore
Alright, fellow creatives, let's get real for a moment. Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in a creative project, only to abandon it when something shinier struts by? (Squirrel!)
Raise your hand if you have more unfinished drafts than completed ones. Yep, I see you. It's a common plight, but one that we need to tackle head-on. Why? Because completing your projects isn't just beneficial—it's downright essential.
Why We Can't Focus Anymore
First, let’s address the giant, pixelated elephant in the room—our dwindling attention spans. Remember the days when boredom was an option? Yeah, me neither. It’s like our ability to focus is competing in the Fastest-Shrinking Ability contest. Blame social media, blame Netflix, blame whatever, but the fact remains: our capacity to focus and finish has taken a nosedive.
The Shiny Object Syndrome
Oh, so shiny….! New ideas are like new toys—irresistible. But why do we abandon our current projects to chase the next big thing? Perhaps it’s the fear that what we’re working on isn’t good enough. Or maybe it's the terror of wasting our precious time on something that might flop. But let me drop some wisdom: Finishing what you start is a skill. It’s like a muscle you need to train, and trust me, the gains are worth it.
The Power of Completion
Completing something provides an unparalleled sense of achievement. You set out to do something, and guess what? You actually did it! That’s more than just a feather in your cap; it’s a confidence booster. You get to prove to yourself—and the world—that you can commit and follow through, a skill that’s increasingly rare but incredibly valuable.
Developing and Refining Skills
Every project you complete hones your skills. Think of each finished piece as a level-up in your creative game. Whether you’ve nailed a new technique or refined an old one, the act of finishing builds your arsenal for future projects. You're not just working on one piece; you're investing in your future self, your future projects, and ultimately, your creative legacy.
Perfectionism and Fear of Failure
Let's talk about the twin dragons that often keep us from finishing anything—perfectionism and fear of failure. The idea that if something isn’t perfect, it isn’t worth doing or completing is a pervasive thought. But here’s the kicker: Perfectionism is just another form of procrastination in disguise. And failure? It’s just feedback. Edison didn’t invent the light bulb on his first try; he embraced his 99 failures as learning opportunities leading to that one glowing success.
Maintaining Motivation and Focus
Long-term projects can often feel like an endless slog up a mountain. The secret? Break it down. Divide your monstrous project into smaller, manageable tasks. Create mini-milestones and give yourself little rewards as you hit them. Remember why you started this project in the first place and keep your eyes on the prize.
Create Clear Goals and Deadlines
Don't just jump into your car and drive aimlessly. Set clear goals and deadlines. When you know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it, the journey becomes a lot less daunting. Think of it as GPS for your creative endeavors. Having these guidelines can prevent that overwhelming feeling that often leads to starting but not finishing.
Stay Flexible but Structured
Yes, plans are important but so is flexibility. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, so be ready to adapt without losing sight of your end goals. Trust me, there’s a fine balance between being committed and being rigid. Think jazz improvisation, where structure meets spontaneity.
Celebrate Milestones
Why wait until the end to celebrate? Small victories along the way are crucial. This isn't just a feel-good tactic; it's scientifically proven that celebrating small wins boosts your motivation. So go ahead, do a little victory dance when you hit a mini-milestone.
Embrace Imperfection
Finally, embrace that your project will never be perfect. Shocked? Good. Perfection is a myth, a mirage. Completing a project, flaws and all, is a testament to your perseverance and your commitment to your craft. Your imperfections are what make your projects uniquely yours.
So, what's it going to be? Another half-baked idea or a completed masterpiece? Choose to finish. Practice the art of completion and watch how your creative process transforms. Review, reflect, and repeat.
Now, go out there and finish something! Show the world—and yourself—what you can do.
Go create. Go finish. Your creative journey depends on it.
Want to be a part of a community that can help hold you accountable to finish some projects? Join us in the Daily Creative Habit Membership!
The Gift of Creativity: A Conversation with James Victore
Illustration: Mike Brennan. Hire me for editorial or portrait illustrations - www.MikeBrennanArt.com
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with James Victore, a creative dynamo whose work I’ve admired for ages (especially coming from graphic design). Our chat was a goldmine of insights on creativity—its ups, downs, and practical steps to foster your own authentic expression.
James kicked things off with a childhood memory that stuck with him—melted crayons. Yep, you heard that right. Those melted crayons left a vivid mark on his senses and inspired him to create work that sparks strong emotional responses. We agreed that creativity often digs its roots deep into personal experiences and sensory memories, making it uniquely ours.
We also tackled the frustrations many creatives face: not being appreciated or allowed to fully express themselves at work. James nailed it when he said everyone just wants to be seen, heard, and valued. In today’s attention economy, he insists, you’ve got to keep showing up, presenting your work, and engaging in those conversations.
James is all about creating motivational, inspirational, and educational posters like those for kids in schools. But, surprise surprise, sometimes he runs into gatekeepers who make reaching his audience tricky. Despite the hurdles, James sees his work as a gift, not a chore. Check out his website: YourWorkIsAGift.com
We dove into how our creative journeys evolve. James talked about his calling to be creative and the grit it takes to hang onto that creativity. He shared a time when his creativity was squashed, leading him to try a different career path before finding his way back to his true passion. Because, let’s face it, once a creative, always a creative.
These days, James coaches creative directors and professionals on embracing their true passions. He shared stories of folks torn between their interests, like a leather maker torn between trinkets and handbags. James helps them find joy in their work because, really, life’s too short to be stuck doing something you don’t love.
I also opened up about my own struggles with burnout and depression after stepping away from design. It was a tough period, but it led to deeper self-discovery.
James hosts retreats aim to break down barriers and help participants unearth their true selves, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
So, what can you take away from our Creative Chat? Here are some nuggets of wisdom:
1. Trust Your Creativity: Believe in your creative instincts and let yourself explore them. No holds barred.
2. Show Up Consistently: Keep putting in the effort. Present your work and start those conversations. No one’s going to do it for you.
3. See Work as a Gift: Change your perspective. View your work as a gift, and you’ll find it easier to push through obstacles.
4. Pursue Passion Projects: Find what excites you and weave it into your work. Less frustration, more satisfaction.
5. Seek Community: Surround yourself with like-minded folks who support your creative journey. It’s way easier to stay motivated that way.
Our conversation was a great reminder of the deep connection between personal experience and creative expression, and the importance of sticking with it on the road to authentic creativity.
Listen to Creative Chats episode 237 for more!