I’m the type of person who prefers an organized, clean space before starting a project. I strive for near-perfection, fussing over having all the right software, equipment, and everything just so. It seems like I’m always making excuses to do something else before tackling any task, all because I’m afraid of the anxiety that comes with the possibility of terrible results.

Whenever I prepare for a task, my need to achieve perfection is what causes me the most anxiety. I become so concerned about the quality of the outcome and ensuring that my workflow is flawless, that I end up procrastinating, fearing that the results of my effort could be lackluster in comparison to my vision.

This mindset is a disaster for creatives. Somewhere down the line I forgot creativity is messy.

Somewhere down the line I forgot that things don’t need to be perfect to get started or even to finish.

Somewhere down the line I forgot how to enjoy the process of creating… Rather than nervously anticipating the results…

Sometimes I wonder if social media influences this mindset. Wanting to create amazing work to show to people. Maybe that’s why so many artists feel intimidated to share their work or are extremely hard on themselves when the results dont come as expected.

Because somewhere down the line we became more focused on the results rather than the journey itself.

It’s okay to start out with a messy space… Some of the best work wasn’t made from a completely organized desk… Just an efficient one. An organization isn’t always efficiency.

Sometimes it’s faster to have your best three pencils right next to you rather than having them organized and in order in an art box.

Sometimes over preparing can cause procrastination and anticipating the results can cause anxiety.

“The great artists are able to retain this sense of playfulness throughout their careers. Art and the artist both suffer most when the artist gets too heavy, too focused on results.” – Austin Kleon