Consistent Creativity
Two Big C's that Dominate the Digital Sphere
For the past month, I have been challenging myself to upload snippets of songs on a (more or less) daily basis. With this challenge, I have noticed an improved consistency in my creative output, as well as an improved ability to be less precious with my work.
In an increasingly interconnected and digitized world, the combination of consistent creativity and the online sphere has become a powerful catalyst for personal growth, professional success, and social engagement. I have observed this in my peers, friends, and, every now and again, in myself. That is not to say that being “consistent” is a simple endeavor. Neither is being online. With so many forms of media, it is incredibly easy to be overwhelmed.
Creating online can feel parallel to battling Hydra from Greek mythology. Each time you upload, multiple serpentine heads of content, comments, and likes populate, ready to attack and distract. Or, equally likely, not much of anything, provoking the even more formidable teeth of doubt and self loathing. Both ravage time, an unsuspecting lamb who just happened to be passing by the monster’s lair at the most inopportune of moments.
So how do we battle the Hydra and maintain on a path of productive, creative output? A question for wiser souls than I, but I’ll tackle it nonetheless. My Five F’s To Fight the Hydra:
Follow Up Quick
The faster you get to making something new, the less likely you are to waste time scrolling on the internet, refreshing the page to see exactly who and who has not engaged with your creative baby.
Forget The Metrics
Just about everything is a business, but letting the data deter you from having fun and exploring your own creativity is, simply put, a bummer. Human beings are incredible innovators. Numbers on the screen don’t change that. Regardless of who sees, it’s your artistry; own it and enjoy your right to make shit.
Find New Mediums
Don’t be afraid to diversify the way you express yourself on the internet. While this is likely to be unsupported by algorithms (boo - we are multifaceted beings, let it be known), I wholly believe in the importance of experimenting with creativity, challenging yourself to learn new skills.
Forgive Yourself When You Fall Off
If you miss a day, don’t hold yourself hostage over it. It’s seriously not worth it. I’ve found that reminding myself the “why” I’m sharing in the first place to be a helpful reminder. Developing a new habit takes time. The best you can do is show up when and where you can, and again, remember the “why.”
Focus on In Person Relationships
I’ve found this to be critical. Having an in person community is invaluable, and showing up for friends, new and old, offers a healthy perspective as to what matters: the people in your life.
Four silly little F’s. I am no content guru, but I do know that a good portion of us hold ourselves back from the simple premise of sharing. I see even more people reticent to try something creative simply for themselves. I am especially interested in the latter of the two, because I think most people I’ve met in life are more creative than they give themselves credit for.
All of this is to say… art and creation is not exclusive. So on this Tuesday, I encourage you to give it a try.