16 Comments
Apr 10, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

OMG - this hits perfectly this week. I'm supposed to turn in a final draft of my 7-years in the making PhD dissertation and feeling all of these things when really it's just... time to actually turn it in.

Expand full comment
Apr 10, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

You can do it!

Expand full comment
author

What a major week!!!!!!

Like Em said, You can do it! (And please tell us when you do!)

Expand full comment

This-- "As always, I find myself very torn between the desire to do more, faster, and choose one project and methodically work through to the end."-- is my constant conundrum. I've been very overwhelmed lately with all the different "things" I could be doing (or think I should be doing) and I end up doing none of the things, because I can't decide which one thing to do! I'm hoping to turn a corner on this and try creating calendar blocks where I focus on one project for a stretch of a few weeks before jumping into anything else. We'll see how it goes.

Expand full comment
author

Do we have the same brain?

Every time I've done what you describe (focus on a single project for a set period, usually 1-4 weeks) I make huge progress. And then promptly forget that lesson, and go back to pinging between projects again. But it really is so helpful.

And in a way -- fair warning, this sounds cheesy -- if we devote that stretch of time, it can feel like we're actually honoring that project enough. Giving it the attention it deserves.

Sometimes I think if my projects could talk, they'd be whining, "Why do you abandon me?"

Let me know how it goes -- it's a great experiment. I'll try, too!

Expand full comment

Finishing is always the hardest part for me. Which isn't...great. Thanks for the helpful reminders, as always!

Expand full comment
author

It is for so many of us! But it also means we're always starting and seeking new ideas, which is hugely positive. And we don't need to finish *everything*, that would be exhausting. Usually, at least for me, I know which projects I should finish (and then don't, lol). There's a clue I should follow...

Expand full comment
Apr 10, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

DO THE CLUB!

And YAY to the book! Just pre-ordered it. Now, off to do my daily question in Do It Today!

Expand full comment
author

THANK YOU so much for the pre-order!!! It is such a boost and so helpful in many respects. I am very grateful.

Expand full comment
Apr 10, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Congrats on the new book! I'm excited to watch Air soon. The previews looked so good.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Nikki! I hope you like Air, it was fascinating from the perspective of creative process and practice. How do you build something? (Even when that something is a shoe?)

Expand full comment
Apr 10, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

This was just what I needed this morning, it helped me stay in the moment without thinking about 1 more great tweak to make it better.

Just finish... for now ... my mantra today. Kara, this landed. ( I saw “Air” last night and loved the heart of it and oh... those costumes! Boldness and courage will be amplified this week.) thank you!

Expand full comment
author

I'm writing this one down on my to-do list: Boldness and courage will be amplified this week.

I believe! Here's to a week of staying in the moment!

Also, re: Air -- those hairstyles!!!

Expand full comment

that part about thinking you'll never do it again ever. lol. Thanks Kara. Missed you and also was really impressed by your disappearance. Truly.

Expand full comment
author

Project amnesia is a medical marvel -- someone should study it.

Your latest newsletter about traveling was EXCEPTIONAL. I read it twice. Enjoy your time away! (And disappear if you feel like it...everyone will still be here for you.)

Expand full comment

WOW! lol. It's always the stuff I don't like other people do lol. Much love Kara.

Expand full comment