Timeless advice for creators
The life of a creator can feel lonely. But you are part of a long history and thriving community of creators—writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists. In these articles, I share examples, principles, and frameworks to help you become a better creator. Sign up to get these sent to your email each week.
On Time
“Time,” Winston Churchill said, “is one thing that can never be retrieved. One may lose and regain friends. One may lose and regain money. Opportunity, once spurned, may come again. But the hours that are lost in idleness can never be brought back to be used in gainful pursuits.”
To be a creator—a musician, artist, writer—is to fight endlessly to protect your creative time.
Here, at the beginning of a new week, I want to share with you some quotes on time. Not to scare or shame you into hustling more. Not to stress you into productivity, but to offer you a moment of reflection.
To set your perspective.
"It is not enough to be busy,” Thoreau wrote; “so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”
Creators: Remember This Quote When You Just Can’t Start
For creators, sometimes the hardest thing is just to start.
We plan, we prepare, we tidy up. Maybe I need to build a better chapter template for my book. Maybe I need to do more research. Maybe I need to go to the store to get different paints. Maybe I should search for a new sonic plugin that will really make this track sound great. I think if I could just tweak my desk setup, I could really get some good work done.
Some planning can help you fly further when doing your creative deep work. But too often, planning can be an excuse. It’s tangible, tractable, satisfying—and deadly to your creative production.