Yesterday, someone invited me to contribute a new book they’re writing. I barely read the request before saying “yes”. My friend approached me from the assumption that I would say “no”. But I didn’t.
Does that mean I have spare time for new projects? Does that mean I had a chunk of a few hours in my week where I planned to stare at a wall and do nothing? Not at all. I have great projects and plans in my future. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make time for something new. Even something that requires emotional and creative energy.
Apparently I’m pretty productive. And I realized the key to my productivity is the fact that I say “yes”. Always. That doesn’t mean I say “yes” to every new project, but I do say “yes” to myself.
Saying “yes” to myself. I’ve learned the key to getting things done is to simply do something, then accept it. Too many artists, after they create, say “no” to their creation. “It isn’t good enough. Start over. Tweak this. Adjust that.” We train ourselves to say “no” to almost everything we create.
But I’ve decided I’m going to say “yes” to the things I make. I’m going to kill that perfectionism inside me. I’m going to accept my instincts and accept my skills. What I created is good enough. I can let it go and move on.
I know quite a few people who wouldn’t agree with me on this. And it’s true, they’re far better writers, graphic designers, or artists than I am. But while they’re tinkering with one project, I’ve completed three.
And that’s my key to productivity. Take it or leave it. Tinker with it and make it your own if you like. Just don’t tinker too much.