On Creativity and Patience

2010: I was working on my first manuscript and I'd end each day with the same proclamation—"I think I'll finally finish my manuscript this week!" I'd say this to Kyle as we set the table for dinner, as I dried my hair from a shower, in the dark as we fell asleep. I didn't realize "I think I'll finally finish my manuscript this week," had become part of my daily routine until months had gone by and Kyle eventually replied, "No, you won't—and that's okay." 

Patience isn’t often discussed in creative work, but it’s an important ingredient for creativity. We are turning ideas, emotions—ether, essentially—into matter. We are using our craft to negotiate with the laws of physics. Patience creates the space to explore, take risks, and make mistakes while showing up with discipline and consistency. 

Something I’ve learned is that maintaining a creative practice helps you build skills that might not come naturally. I’ve learned habits that bring patience into my creative process—which then taught me how to become more patient in other areas of life. Here are some of the ways I practice patience to support my art:

Create a Sense of Accomplishment
When I’m in the middle of a project, and the end is still far out, I make an extra effort to find physical tasks that can be completed. Chores might not be glamorous—and can be used to procrastinate from making art—but seeing the result of folding laundry or cooking a meal can serve as a physical reminder that your efforts can create an impact.

Set Specific To Do’s
Get really specific when putting creative work on a to-do list. I break down the project into the most immediate actionable tasks, such as "Find character motivation for Act 2" rather than "Finish Story." Checking each individual, actionable item off the to-do list can create that same sense of accomplishment as seeing the chores get done—and can be a reminder that you are making progress on your project.  

Consider the Scope of Your Practice
My patience was constantly tested when I was working on novel manuscripts because my goals felt out of reach until the manuscript was complete—and even then, goals like getting traditionally published were out of my control. Adjusting the scope of my work from novel-length projects to short fiction and essays allowed me to move at the pace that suited my goals. 

Don't Wait 'Until'
This one I'm still working on, but I’m trying to remind myself to not wait until the work is done to take the breaks you need for self-care or to celebrate your work. 
 

Remember the Reward Is in the Work

And, at the end of the day, instead of telling myself and my loved ones, “This week I’ll finish my story!” I look at this quote on my bathroom mirror while I brush my teeth: 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lesson in patience from my first manuscript—and Kyle’s gentle response. At the time, I only heard the first part, No you can’t. I was dead set on proving him—and any other critic—wrong. It wasn’t until I started sharing my work through the story subscription program that I understood his words weren’t a doubtful rebuttal, but a reminder to be patient. To give your artwork the time and care it requires. It deserves it—and you do, too.