Before I begin, I would like to draw your attention to the following video of one of Tom Holland’s performances on Lip Sync Battle.
No, seriously. This isn’t me trying to Rick-Roll you here. I really want you to check out this video. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Did you SEE that???
Out of everything I’ve learned about being a creative – indeed about life so far – you could sum up the most important bits from this video.
If you want to succeed, leave it all out there on the floor.
Now I admit that this is something that I need to work on. It doesn’t come naturally to me.
I also admit that the comparison between that video and life as a creative person is going to stretch thin a little bit, but bear with me.
When you sit down to write, or compose, or draw, or paint, or whatever it is that you do, you – like all of us – are putting yourself out there. You are leaving yourself on the page, or canvass. It’s coming out on the strings, or however it is you do your thing, you’re leaving it out there on the floor for everyone to see.
Here is where it’s difficult for me. Self-doubt says, “Who wants to look at this mess? What will they think of you? Best not do too much, in fact, it’s probably best if you don’t do it at all.”
And I pull back. I don’t commit fully. That leaves room for distractions.
Look at that video. This is a guy fully committed to leaving it all out there. At the end he’s flat on his back, chest heaving, he’s spent.
That’s where we want to be at the end. We won’t always get there, but every time is preparation and practice for the next time we sit down. With enough time and work (it always comes down to time and work) we’ll get there more times than not and, more importantly, we’ll get there when we need to.
Thanks for reading.
Be safe out there. Be Excellent to Each other.
I’ll see you on Thursday.
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