The genius and the dummy
Oh, hi friends!
The more time I spend working, writing, and creating, the more I believe that you have to contain two modes. There’s the Genius and the Dummy.
You have to create like you’re a genius. Like whatever you’re working on is the greatest thing that’s ever been created. You’re not overthinking, you’re just moving. You’re not worried what other people will think either because you know it’s going to be good — even wonderful.
But then it’s time to revise your work. That’s when you view it like a complete dummy. You have fresh eyes; you’re critical. At arms-length, you can tell what’s good, what needs improvement, what can be scrapped.
And when you get to share your work, you have to offer it up with some humility. You have to believe you did all you could — you remember the genius, you remember the dummy — but now you’re on the equator. You’re open and humble.
Create like a genius.
Revise like a dummy.
Share with humility.
And repeat.
"Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t."
— The one and only Michelle Obama
This is easier to read than to do, of course, but what if we take this quote and create a set of criteria or questions around it?
Does this decision move me toward fear — or possibility?
Does this decision make me feel hopeful for the future?
Does this decision feel like it should be happening?
Breaking Bad buys you a rustic riverside home in Idaho. (h/t brother Eric for sending)
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Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara