Originally Published February 12th, 2019

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my research on creativity is that it’s something we all have to do everyday.

Creativity may come to you in the form of a dream, while you’re in the shower, holding your breath for a long time, or going on a walk.

That’s cool.

But.

You still gotta sit down and put in the work.

The easiest way to do this is by scheduling time each day to pursue your craft.

Show up, sit down, and put in the time—even if you don’t feel like it.

That’s the difference between those who wish to do something—and those who do something.

Make creativity a habit.

Create Every Day

As creatives, we must set aside time everyday to create. There’s no excuse.

If you want a sexy bod, you go to the gym and work out. You show up, you do the work, everyday—it’s that simple.

Creativity is no different. If you want to be a photographer, pick up a camera and take photos. If you want to play guitar, play guitar. If you want to write—write.

Every Day.

Progress is in inches, not miles.

It’s generally not one piece of work that stands out but rather a long concerted daily effort that matters most.

Show up on the daily gang.

Momentum

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Once you sit down and start working a weird thing happens—you start creating.

Call it the muse, call it your spirit animal, call it your higher self—something comes along and starts helping you write, paint, sculpt, yodel—etc.

When I sat down at 8:15 PM to write this blog—I had no idea what I was going to say. I simply sat down and started typing.

If you do the work every day—momentum will push you forward.

Ideas start to interconnect—sprouting new ones.

You look at the world with a new perspective.

Things that used to be difficult become routine.

Momentum will help you turn a seemingly impossible task into something that you spend an hour or so on every day.

Master Your Craft

If you want to find meaning in life—pick something and go after it full force. That means pursuing a craft everyday to the point of mastery.

Why should you do this?

1. Because it’s fun. Doofus.
2. Because you’ll be a better person.
3. Because the people around you will be better.
4. Because not many people are masters—aspire to be one of the few.
5. Because what other choice do you have?

Build a Body of Work

Building a body of work doesn’t happen overnight. If you’ve ever tried to put together a portfolio—you know it’s basically one of the worst things in the world.

It’s never easy. It’s never good enough. It’s never finished.

Creating everyday will help you build a foundation to stand on.

Having a body of work shows that you’re willing to put in the effort.

It will help you learn valuable new skills.

It will make you a more interesting person.

But it starts with one blog, one photo, one chord—one day at a time.

Now get to work. 

-Tim