Purposeful Practicing (Part 3)

You’ve got to respect the process!

“There are really three parts to the creative process. First there is inspiration, then there is the execution, and finally there is the release.” — Eddie Van Halen

The ability to show up everyday even when you are not motivated to learn, create, make something is the most valuable trait you need to be a professional. It doesn’t come easy but it’s a requirement to survive the process of creating or doing something unique and remarkable.

Mastering anything usually involves exploration, adjustment, and improvisation. You can’t always know your destination in advance. And that’s okay.

But be prepared for constant average work to get better at mastering the skill you have chosen to master. Give yourself permission to screw up and move on when things don’t go as plans.

You can’t create a masterpiece without creative mess. Whatever you intend to master now or in the future, you need to prepare yourself for the long haul. And that means hundreds of thousands of hours will be spent making mistakes and starting over. And that’s okay.

One of the greatest impediments to creativity is impatience. It pays to value and embrace the creative process. It’s the only way to master any skill.