In the world of creative endeavor, it’s a common pitfall to become ensnared in our own deliberations, often slowing down to the point where action becomes secondary. I’ve felt this pull myself, the desire to perfect each detail before progressing. Yet, there’s a compelling argument for velocity—a principle that most narratives can be amplified by diving headfirst into the fray, cutting through the preamble to where the heart of the action pulses.
The creative spirit thrives on uninhibited expression, on the raw surge of ideas that comes from unshackled thought. It’s about getting down the clay to be molded, not worrying about the sculpture’s sheen—that comes later. The draft is the creator’s playground, where the internal critic is barred entry, ensuring the free flow of innovation isn’t dammed by premature judgement.
For me, this insight is a call to arms, an incitement to accelerate into action. It’s a reminder that the essence of productivity isn’t found in the flawless first pass but in the courage to commence—imperfectly, messily, but decidedly. In practice, this means letting the first page go, metaphorically or literally, and not allowing the analytical mind to stifle the generative one.
Embracing this duality of roles, where the creator blazes ahead and the editor meticulously trails, might just be the key to not only starting more projects but to finishing them with greater satisfaction. It’s a lesson in dynamics, an understanding that pace and patience are not adversaries but allies in the art of creation.
Read more at: Interview: Kevin Kelly, editor, author, and futurist
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