Take Control
Last week, I addressed the issue of distractions, which are always prevalent in our daily lives. The question is, how do you or I deal with those distractions?
I have read several sources from the “experts” on time management. It is a good idea to work in blocks of time. The problem with that is I like to see something through without stopping!
Working on a house project, for example, I tend to see it through until I can’t stay awake. I become obsessed with crossing the task off my list. “Get ‘er Done!” to quote the truck character, Tow Mater, from the movie Cars. My motivation is that I can see accomplishment in a relatively short time compared to completion in art and writing.
When we do what we enjoy doing, time is irrelevant. In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron wrote, “Creativity occurs in the moment, and in the moment we are timeless.” Therefore, I am challenged by distractions, which interrupt concentration. Some things need my attention, and others do not. In a second, I need to decide the importance of which it is.
How do I take control and monitor? As I mentioned in my last blog, turning off my phone is a huge help. But things come up: our dog needs to go out, I forgot to remove a frozen item to thaw for dinner, I need a cup of tea, or it is time to switch the laundry. Of course, profound and unexpected issues come up, which I cannot argue with.
However, speaking of more minor interruptions, I have learned after working two or three hours, I can step away and return with a new perspective.
I admire, historically, how artist devoted an entire day and into the night to their paintings without distractions. True, they did not have the technology that we do. Nevertheless, I envy their persistence. For instance, Monet painted The Magpie in 1869 in a snowstorm with ‘icicles hanging from his beard’ all day and did not stop! The weather was not a distraction for him.
Julia Cameron wrote, “Creativity is a spiritual practice. It cannot be perfected, finished, and set aside.” She suggests that artists cannot rest; we are like “spiritual sharks” who must keep moving or die. I’ll think of that the next time a distraction comes along. Despite an interruption, I will keep pushing my pencil, paintbrush, or keyboard.
We all have something creative to give; it may not be art, but it is purposeful and productive. Please share how you conquer your distractions. I would love to hear from you.
https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/blog/did-you-know-monet-painted-more-100-snow-scenes
https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity/dp/1585421472
