Magic Words

Photo by Bianca Ackermann on Unsplash

Many words are magic. Knowing magical words is especially important as a creative person who needs all the help we can get. The first words I will share come from the amazing Seth Godin.

Pick yourself.

I was waffling about showing my published books at a a local non-profit marketplace when I heard Seth talking to another very brave person, Mel Robbins on her podcast. He said sometimes the easiest thing to do to keep from being stuck is to pick yourself. So I did. I bought a booth for my booksigning and I’m tickled.

Here’s what: If I hadn’t done it when I had the opportunity, the deadline would have past and I would be stuck in my fear, and feeling really dumb. Thanks, Seth.

I also like this mantra brought to you by Kevin Kelly.

Art before laundry.

When I’m stuck, I do all manner of nonsense chores to keep from the hard task of making (good) art. It’s not all good, of course. However, I have actually caught myself saying “art before laundry” out loud when I find myself cleaning the bathtub instead of writing or playing the piano. Say it out loud five times, and often you’ll find yourself sitting at your art table — however it defines itself in your life.

Perfect is the enemy of good and the enemy of done.

Don’t wait to achieve perfection before you show your work to the world. You will never get to perfection and you will never reveal your work if you wait for it. Even if you’re the only one who sees or hears your work, you are the only person who has done what you just did. And that’s amazing. Which gets back to rule #1.

Pick yourself. :)

And. You. Will. Be. Free.