Outstanding essay. You are correct. What remains is the creative acts, the creative things you produced. That aspect of productivity, not the widgets.
We all consume, but some also produce. And it is in this act of production, producing something personally meaningful that meaning iyself is found, from songs and essays to kids. Create something and let it consume you.
Such a thought provoking post, jam packed with so many truths. What so many people don't see, ignore, or don't have time to consider is that creativity is like blood--it's a vital life force, one whose lack drains the very life from our souls. But when you ignore the time that may be "wasted" and pursue creativity, it's like getting a transfusion from Superman... or the Universe, which is who made Superman to begin with.
This is outstanding work! Bravo! You have expressed the frustration of many of us when faced with the choice of "creative" work, which does not have monetary rewards in the short run, or writing that client memo about "standard cost," which has an immediate monetary reward. Thank you for analyzing and writing about this maddening choice so eloquently.
"I’ve experimented with various cognitive exercises like this one, and for the most part, all they did was reaffirm the path that I was already treading (i.e., the wrong path)." Making who we are, wrong, that there is something wrong with me, them, and it IS the first thing one must let go. [Ego goes with it.]
This is another reason I facilitate writing groups (No, I'm not looking for business!). I do believe the stories we bring to life is a form of creating meaning in the world and will leave an impression on the culture.
For some reason the matter of wasting time brought to mind my penchant for procrastinating. I like the idea of substituting wasting time for procrastinating. Procrastinating is all about the productivity I am postponing. Wasting time is far more valuable when it has no relationship to productivity, when its inherent therapeutic value is celebrated. It is there, in wasting time that creativity can flourish! There is so much in this piece. I need to waste more time on it!!
When faced with the choice between productivity and creativity, I suggest prioritizing the thing that will be most remembered. Productivity is fleeting, but creativity can last many lifetimes….i always need to be reminded. Thank you.
I love the idea of setting goals in Spring! Also I like what you say about Ikigai: many people think it's about finding one thing that's at the intersection of the 4 areas but that's unrealistic. Ikigai is really about finding a combination of activities, rituals, projects, hobbies, jobs, roles, etc that will fulfill you.
There is something to be said about being productive. On days when I'm low emotionally, low-energy (nearly synonymous for me), in a bad mood--doing productive cleaning/maintenance around the house/yard are very therapeutic for me.
I believe our ability to create is what 'made in our image' means.
This read was well worth the hours of staring at that blank canvas. It’s late here. I usually read and delete, but I think this one needs a sleep-on-it and a second pass tomorrow before that delete button gets considered again. Thank you.
Outstanding essay. You are correct. What remains is the creative acts, the creative things you produced. That aspect of productivity, not the widgets.
We all consume, but some also produce. And it is in this act of production, producing something personally meaningful that meaning iyself is found, from songs and essays to kids. Create something and let it consume you.
Couldn’t agree more 🙏
Such a thought provoking post, jam packed with so many truths. What so many people don't see, ignore, or don't have time to consider is that creativity is like blood--it's a vital life force, one whose lack drains the very life from our souls. But when you ignore the time that may be "wasted" and pursue creativity, it's like getting a transfusion from Superman... or the Universe, which is who made Superman to begin with.
Absolutely, Frances! Love this 🩶
This is outstanding work! Bravo! You have expressed the frustration of many of us when faced with the choice of "creative" work, which does not have monetary rewards in the short run, or writing that client memo about "standard cost," which has an immediate monetary reward. Thank you for analyzing and writing about this maddening choice so eloquently.
Thank you so much, John! I appreciate you!
"I’ve experimented with various cognitive exercises like this one, and for the most part, all they did was reaffirm the path that I was already treading (i.e., the wrong path)." Making who we are, wrong, that there is something wrong with me, them, and it IS the first thing one must let go. [Ego goes with it.]
Couldn’t agree more, Michael! 🤗
This is another reason I facilitate writing groups (No, I'm not looking for business!). I do believe the stories we bring to life is a form of creating meaning in the world and will leave an impression on the culture.
Absolutely 🙏
Find your purpose in life and then follow it with all your heart, stamina and curiosity.
🙏
This is it. I’ve been feeling this itch for a long time and you just pointed the source so brilliantly!
Happy to scratch the itch, Teodoro! I have faith in you!
This is wonderful
Thank you so much, Jeff! And for your support as well. It means so much to me.
For some reason the matter of wasting time brought to mind my penchant for procrastinating. I like the idea of substituting wasting time for procrastinating. Procrastinating is all about the productivity I am postponing. Wasting time is far more valuable when it has no relationship to productivity, when its inherent therapeutic value is celebrated. It is there, in wasting time that creativity can flourish! There is so much in this piece. I need to waste more time on it!!
Haha! Thanks Peter! This is an excellent idea 💡
When faced with the choice between productivity and creativity, I suggest prioritizing the thing that will be most remembered. Productivity is fleeting, but creativity can last many lifetimes….i always need to be reminded. Thank you.
🥰 thank you, Brian!
I love the idea of setting goals in Spring! Also I like what you say about Ikigai: many people think it's about finding one thing that's at the intersection of the 4 areas but that's unrealistic. Ikigai is really about finding a combination of activities, rituals, projects, hobbies, jobs, roles, etc that will fulfill you.
Absolutely, Catherine! Could not have said it better myself! Thank you 🙏
Well done Jen.
There is something to be said about being productive. On days when I'm low emotionally, low-energy (nearly synonymous for me), in a bad mood--doing productive cleaning/maintenance around the house/yard are very therapeutic for me.
I believe our ability to create is what 'made in our image' means.
bsn
Brian,
I agree with this entirely. Yesterday was one of those days for me.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply and your continued support. I am very grateful 🙏
Corporate work has a funny knack for nipping the soul from me.... the lack of creativity is deafening.
Me too, Ned. Me too.
This read was well worth the hours of staring at that blank canvas. It’s late here. I usually read and delete, but I think this one needs a sleep-on-it and a second pass tomorrow before that delete button gets considered again. Thank you.
Absolutely, thank you!
This is such a beautiful post. Every word is beautifully put. Thanks Jen.
Thank you so much, Maureen!
Great post, Jen! I have to bookmark this one. Every section resonates with me.
That’s the best compliment I could receive!
Thank you, Renato!