Slowing down might not always be doing less but rather creating things at a higher standard of quality.
The infamous writer, Charles Bukowski, had the words don’t try etched into his gravestone. That might sound a bit defeatist and depressing, but it may not mean exactly what you think. Buk’s point was simply that writing, and any creative endeavor for that matter, should come naturally. If you have to try, don’t, because the creativity becomes forced, and forced creativity is more likely to lack honesty.
I don’t want to sound cocky, but I completely understand where Bukowski’s coming from, because like he, I often don’t try. I’m naturally creative and prolific. In fact, sometimes that feels like a negative. I can pump things out way too fast. That incessant motivation may seem great at first glance, but it can also lead to an overall lower quality of work.
This is why I’m slowing.
Sure, I’m getting older, but that’s not why I’m making the decision to intentionally slow my public output. Instead, I’m becoming more particular with the quality and the aesthetic of the work I do share. This is why I’m minimizing from four blogs to a single website. It’s also why I’m quitting stock photos. Everything I post here represents who I am as a human being and as an artist. Honesty is important.
In the past, I’ve always been willing to hit the publish button with little hesitation. I’m still not afraid to do that. However, I want to make a stronger point to only share my best work with my audience. So, I’m going to be a little slower to push.
Behind the scenes, I might still be working hard, but in the public eye, I’ll be slowing. It’s a good thing. – dse
- Learn more about creativity
- Get new Anderhill music first
- Get special discounts
- Sign up for the newsletter
