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Susan's avatar

One thing I learned from working with graduate students was that so many of us, so often, can’t see how we have succeeded because we are focussed on the parts that didn’t work out as we imagined they would. I might read a student paper and be astonished by some ways of thinking that were brilliant and original, while the student thinks the whole paper is a failure. Often they would just need help in recognizing what parts are worth retaining and working on, and what can be left out. Another persons’s eyes can be so helpful, so we shouldn’t shy away from sharing our work in progress.

Also, I loved the link to the value of rituals. Partly because I focus so deeply on whatever I am engaged in, I’ve have always had trouble shifting gears, moving from one activity to another. This article helped me reflect on one ritual that does work for me. After cooking dinner and serving it at the dining table in the same room, I turn off all the bright kitchen lighting, light candles set in my mother’s silver candlesticks and sit down to eat with my partner. This ritual helps me shift from the bustle of cooking and turn to the pleasure of eating and my partner’s company.

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Alex's avatar

Unfortunately I don’t have a single phrase that helps me through failed attempts, but what I find helpful is remembering why I am taking part in a creative endeavor. Is it only for the end result, or is it for the process and journey along the way? I sometimes get too focused on the former when the latter is the true reason.

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