Over the past couple of months I’m in a “making” frenzy. A creative frenzy.
I made two cutting boards. Helped a son and daughter-in-law do a board and batten wall in their nursery.
Made a desk for another son. Got an idea for a nightstand to make for another son.
I’m making sourdough cinnamon raisin bread this morning. Going to make spaghetti noodles and bread later today.
I have this theory about it.
At work I’ve been doing more editing than writing. I’ve been organizing, working with schedules and spreadsheets and in meetings — many meetings.
I’m about six weeks into a new job and learning about new timelines and processes. I’ve done an amazing amount of onboarding as part of three different organizations. I’ve also had time off over the holidays.
That drive to create isn’t being fed. That drive to write and market and brand and persuade. So it manifests itself in other ways.
I challenge myself to try new things and make new things outside of work. It makes me happy.
I also learn from them. I learn about processes, crafting, refining.
My next cutting board will be a little better. So will my next desk and nightstand.
The next batch of noodles I make will go better than the first.
It’s no different in writing and editing. I keep challenging myself in my writing.
I look back over what I’ve written this past year and two years and five years and see ways to improve. Cleaner. Clearer. Simpler. Better.
What about you? What are you doing better?
Here’s the real question: What WILL you do better in 2021?
Know what you’ll do better and how you’ll do it. Come up with a plan. Challenge yourself.
Seek a mentor. Seek an editor. Ask for help.
Write. A lot.
Make something. Then make it better. Make it greater.