Why We Say That We Can't Do Something

This is a direct quote from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way and it's so true! I want to emblazon this into each brain of every student (and child) I've ever had:

Usually, when we say we can't do something, what we mean is that we won't do something unless we can guarantee that we'll do it perfectly (121).

She suggests completing this sentence: If I didn't have to do it perfectly, I would try......

In other words, I think we squash our creative impulse because we suspect it won't be a glorious success. In the case of students, at times they focus so much on getting the high grade (the superficial payment) that they don't risk trying something untried. Then again, there are those who simply want to slap down something, at the last minute. But they have the same fear. If I just turn in "whatever", I am not exposing myself to real criticism...it's obvious this is not close to my best effort.

Think of every project as work in progress. It will never be truly perfect, but it can be wonderful and each time we put effort into a project, we're becoming more human.

Make a list of the topics you like to read about.

Ten Lists to Help You

Antje graciously lent me a copy of the book, The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. It's written by Julia Cameron, who writes movies, plays, magazine articles, and gives workshops on creativity. This book is packed with suggestions and here are some lists of the many lists she highly recommends to help you be your more of a creator. Her first advice is to write 3 pages daily - just to get the crud out of your thinking.

Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power it it. --Goethe

Note: Titles of the lists are provided but YOU have to fill them up! These are designed to help you get past the clutter in your existence so you can create more.

1. If I had 5 other lives to lead, I would do the following in each of them.

2. My 5 Major Activities in a Given Week.

3. 20 Things I Enjoy Doing.

4. 10 Tiny Changes I Would Like to Make in My Life....Now.

5. 5 Traits I Like in Myself as a Child.

6. 5 Childhood Accomplishments.

7. 3 Rotten Habits of Mine.

8. 5 Friends Who Nurture Me.

9. 5 People I Admire.

10. 5 People I Secretly Admire.

Get busy! More to come later.