Simple directions for taking a creative step

Go out into the world. / Issue 1,518

Oh, hi friends!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t write a good bit of dialogue while loading the dishwasher.

I can’t finish reading a book if my phone is on the couch next to me.

I can’t tinker with a fresh outline if my inbox is open on the same screen.

I really like when things are simple and clear.

That is, when I’m doing one thing at a time.

This can feel impossible. We can’t just quiet down the world whenever we want to go into our work or creative caves.

Or can we?

Maybe that’s why I love running so much (and I promise I won’t stretch the running metaphors for weeks).

When you run, there’s a single task:

Go out into the world.

Then find your way home.

Your pace, distance, location can vary.

But not the goal.

Actually, maybe we can apply this to our projects, too.

We can go out into the world of our important work today for however long we can, at whatever pace we find.

Our only goal is to be brave enough to go, and have faith we can return.

Go out into the world.

Then find your way home.

Simple and clear.