Yesterday, I went for a walk with an old friend and told her some of my frustrations. Sometimes it feels like I am doing a lot of work without getting a lot accomplished. This morning, I woke up to a flurry of inquiries in my inbox. It was an unexpected burst of activity that reminded me of how quickly the tides can turn in the world of creative work. So you better have established a structure around whatever it is that you do.
It’a part of the job. Those who patch a creative life together and make it their career. If you are new to the creative field, then it’s a feeling you may have to get acquainted with. Days blend together when you’re immersed in the intricacies of your work. You pour your heart and soul into projects that take time to cultivate. Then as things get quiet, you question if you are making any real progress at all and hope your unrestrained imagination hasn’t gone mad with fantasies around what a creative life looks like. But If you have been here a while, you know that talent falls short without discipline. And just when you have convinced yourself to go back to the safety of degrees, certificates, and the American grind, a wave of demands come crashing in, filling your inbox with requests, feedback, and invites.
Suddenly, the quiet moments of reflection give way to the urgency of deadlines. It’s a reminder that creative work isn’t about the solo act of being in the woods alone with your work. Maybe a little. But it’s a lot about collaborating, responding, and meeting needs. Each inquiry and piece of feedback propel us forward with renewed energy and focus. But it should also remind us why we must create discipline around our work.
As I dive back into the whirlwind of revisions and planning, I am reminded that this ebb and flow is what makes the creative process so dynamic. I always tell my students that good work takes time. It may not always feel like progress, but each step, each conversation, and interaction contributes to the larger picture. Embracing the rollercoaster of deadlines, the excitement of collaborations, and the realities of creating something that doesn’t have a manual keeps the creative spirit alive. But when the work comes, you better have created a discipline. Because discipline is the only place skills can prosper.
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