Going down a Quora rabbit hole, I hit upon a video from Ira Glass of “This American Life” that spoke to me during one of my low points last year. Glass’s message resonated with me deeply as a creative and our consistent struggle in translating killer creativity into spectacular work.
Do you know how many drafts of posts I currently have in this WordPress blog? I spent nearly ten years as a magazine editor, and I still sweat every time I hit “publish.” I have no copyeditor to chop my work or editor-in-chief as a sounding board or to say my ideas lack creativity.
I worry-wart over whether my stories will resonate across my tiny corner of the internet. Everyone has an opinion, and keyboard warriors are bold and ready to give theirs. Worse, I fret over my skill as a writer. I’ve spent just as long outside my editorial career as I did in it. Is it like riding a bike where one may be rusty on how to steer or brake, but after a few tries, it’s smooth sailing again?
No matter how I view my skill or taste when I go into writing mode, I am reminded that the first drafts are always trash. Always. And the second drafts may be terrible too. And that’s OK. I need to push past my insecurities and allow myself to improve.
While doing a considerable volume of work, as Glass recommends, is important, “Atomic Habits” author James Clear points out that making your taste and skill meet boils down to habits.
In 2023, I am recommitting to my writing practice by reserving one hour a day to focus on writing, whether drafting new pieces, fleshing out ideas and notes, researching and outlining, polishing past work, or reworking those trash drafts.
