But First…
One of the ways we sabotage our natural creativity is a pattern I call “but first.” Though it feels and looks like we’re being productive, it’s resistance in disguise.
Remember those draw-the-line-to-the-right-answer questions in school? In this one any combination of the pairs is a match. Take any item from the 1st column and pair it with any item in the 2nd column. Feel free to make up your own.
| I want to start painting again | but first I need to clean my office |
| I need to outline that new class | but first I’ll update my Facebook status |
| I want to get started on a blog post | but first I’ll pluck my eyebrows |
| I need to follow up with that great new contact | but first I need a business card |
| I have to register for a yoga class | but first I’ll read this article |
| I need to work on this project proposal | but first I’ll pay bills |
Next we have the compound, run-on but first. I want to start painting again but first I have to clean out the garage so I have a place to work…to clean out the garage I should organize the workbench…if I organize the workbench I have to take this pile to the Goodwill…I should really clean out my closet if I’m going to the Goodwill…I don’t have time to work on the closet today. I default to checking email or seeing what others are doing on Facebook.
The result? Nothing happens. The initial spark to take action has been completely sucked dry of any life it once enjoyed. There are two things (at least) at play here.
First, the mistaken notion that the creative process is sequential and methodical. That one action hinges on the next and cannot be done out of order. Second, but first is a big ol’ smarmy way of stalling.
There is no one right way to start a creative project other than to start it. Follow the juice — start where you have the most interest or energy. Take multiple actions and see what has legs. I call this the “buckshot” approach. Learn, reflect, adapt, take another action. Follow several of these threads simultaneously. Something will begin to take shape and show you where to go next. As my friend, Myron Rogers, would say when we worked together on big organizational change initiatives: “start anywhere, follow it everywhere.”
Do the work! – Steven Pressfield
To attack a bad case of the but first’s start by tracking when they show up. Sit quietly in the morning and ask: “what is the most meaningful thing I can do today to keep this moving this forward?” Take at least one action every day to keep the river of your creative expression flowing. Any blocks you come up against – either real or perceived – are an opportunity to expand your perspective. Challenge yourself to come up with at least three creative solutions.
What I’ve noticed for myself is that it’s common for a compelling but first to appear when I’m close to the heart of my work. Now that I know that, it’s easier to recognize and not be derailed. Though not every day is a win, most are. Progress not perfection.
PRACTICE
Whatever it is you’ve been thinking/looping/obsessing about, begin it. Start anywhere. Make a promise to yourself — or better yet to someone else — to take at least one action a day.
2 Responses to “But First…”
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I am a speaker, teacher, writer, and artist working at the convergence of self-care, spirituality, and self-expression.
A Creative Conspirator - an inciter of whatever makes you come alive, an excavator of buried gifts and talents, a fresh breeze that fans the smoldering embers of abandoned creativity. Read More>
Good to know I’m not the only one with this virus that tends to develop when I’m faced with some action that will move me forward in my work or relations. For me it helps to begin some action that will get me energized to continue on with other important items that I’ve been putting off. I need to keep my focus on the goal. Mark off the steps I’ve completed and see and do what the next steps are to get me closer to the goal I want to arrive to. Sometimes I have to re-light the fire inside my gutt. Some times its just about moving, just move positions pyhsically to get going again. Sometimes the simplest thing seems like the hardest to do. Thank you for this subject. I know I’m on track when miracles happen. Very enjoyable.
Hey, I’ve seen your garage! Loved the blog and it was a nice break during my 48-hour mad dash to disassemble, sand, stain, finish and reassemble my kitchen table to be ready for delivery of the new top tomorrow. Hard deadlines really do motivate me to MOVE IT! I’d better get back to work . . . but first maybe I’ll play just one game of solitaire 🙂