Failure, Perseverance, and Discipline

Photo by Nastia Petruk on Unsplash

 It’s the story of story of failure and of perseverance, of the discipline of a craftsman, 
of the life of an artist.” - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Rarely do I find quotes in fiction books that spark an idea to share in the real world. The quote above is the exception, but it when I read it, it landed solidly and wouldn't let go. This book follows two game designers.  When they visit one's mother in Japan, she brings out a piece of art that was intricately crafted by hand.  She then speaks of creating using a computer and what it is taking away from the creative life of an artist.

 

This article isn't about whether to use AI or not. It is about not taking shortcuts when it comes to creativity.  I have learned the hard way that after almost 2 decades of writing, I can always sit down and churn something out if I need to.  BUT, my best writing by far arises from deep within showing up consistently - writing day after day after day without fail.  Sometimes my muse whispers in my ear as I awake. Other times a random comment, a quote, an image, or a feeling brings a powerful message I absolutely must express in words. 

My commitment comes and goes, and I can see how my writing rhythm rises and falls in my work over the same time. This quote reminds me of that truth and inspires me to again be more consistent in showing up.  It is said that to receive inspiration, it has to find you in you chair already at work.  If you're not there, it moves on to another who is.  Do I believe that? Perhaps not exactly as stated, but I do think there is a universal truth that applies.  

My truly inspired AHA moments seem land in my lap when I am actively writing every day.  I am breathing writing, so the universe comes to help.  It also comes when I say yes to a last minute opportunity that leaves no room for delay.  Why?  I believe what one of my former mentors told me.  If you are meant to do something, have faith that the universe wouldn't guide you to this opportunity without providing all you need to succeed.  

I had this happen this year and it gave me chills. I said no to being in the third edition of a collaborative book as I didn't have any ideas what to write.  I assumed this was guidance to step away. However, a week before the first draft deadline, one writer dropped out. The organizer reached out to ask if I wanted to fill the opening. It felt like the universe had opened this door, but I still didn't have faith. I said give me 24 hours. I sat down at my computer and my muse whispered an idea.  I began typing. The words poured out of me without effort. I was surprised to say the least, but also filled with gratitude.

Perseverance and discipline are the the most needed traits for anyone reaching towards a goal. Showing up. Working day after day without fail. Doing the best work you can - no shortcuts.  Loving the process of creating helps.  Every painter I know loves the tactile nature of painting - holding the brush, mixing the colors, applying the paint to a surface, blending the edges. It's the same with ceramic artisans. I took tons of pottery classes in university and could spend hours creating shapes on the pottery wheel whether they turned out or not.  The physical process was satisfyingly tactile. The world disappeared as did my stress. 

Failure is probably the hardest for most, but it is unfortunately a required step in the learning process.  To learn you must try, and at the beginning the options are unlimited. Each failure hones down the list of options until you finally discover the best way to move forward.  Don't believe me?  James Dyson spent five years trying to invent a bagless vacuum cleaner that would not lose suction. He built 5,127 prototypes during this long process of trial and error, before creating the successful G-Force that launched his company. 

Whether you are a creative, an entrepreneur, or other, the three attributes above are necessary to grow and evolve.  Instead of avoiding failure, embrace is as a positive way to learn. That frees you to explore possibilities far outside the expected norm.  I always love the quote that went something like they all said it couldn't be done until someone did it.  Embrace failure while persevering through the learning process. Set-backs and snags are normal. Keep your eyes on the prize.  Lastly, be disciplined. And be consistent. Show up every day even if you sit staring at a wall. Stay there until you do at least one thing. Anything.

You can do it.  I believe.