Probably even more relevant for creative work (writing, making music, etc), a bit of structure forces you to show up every day (otherwise we'd just end up watching Netflix all day) but a good part of it (and what takes you a few steps further) is also enjoying what you do. Been thinking about my running routine (training for a half-marathon in December) and how it's probably time to mix it up a bit and make it less monotone/boring.
Absolutely agree that it applies to creative work! I think the experimentation and creative processes are one and the same, or if not identical then very closely linked.
I've been in business close to 17 years, and writing a newsletter/blog/social for at least 16 of those. And I've *always* struggled with consistency. Some months I'm buzzing and publishing, and other months I'm behind-the-scenes working with clients and letting my online publishing languish.
I've given myself a hard time about this for most of those years, but I also know that blind consistency as you named it here, absolutely does not work for me, nor does it produce my best work.
I think the key (for me anyway) is to be inconsistently inconsistent. lol
I need to be consistent enough that people know I'll show up and they can count on me (especially here on Substack with paid subscribers) but inconsistent enough that I give myself enough breathing room and flexibility.
It's a fine balance and one I'm way more committed to since joining Substack.
Career things! Hitting a growth ceiling (7 years of e-commerce marketing), going on a career break, struggling with tearing down the image of me working in a corporate desk job to invite a new image of.. freelancing? freelancing and working in a desk job? I just need to keep experimenting with different tiny jobs to let the next step unfold. That, and networking... thoughts? :))
If you have the means (time, money etc.) to be able to experiment, play around and feel into what you enjoy vs. what drains your energy, then this is AWESOME and I’d highly recommend taking the pressure off and just seeing how things feel.
Brilliantly summarised Anna! Often we can burden our wants from 'get tos' into 'have tos' making them seem like a chore. I love the updated formula for success, which I see myself in my exercise routine - variation and picking fun ways to keep fit allow me to avoid stagnation and keep showing up. What tracker are you using?
Thanks SJ it means a lot to have you read my work! I fastidiously track my behaviour across lots of areas of my life (I’m a little bit psycho haha), I use, live and die by Notion. What do you use?
Anna! I feel so seen!
👀🫶
Probably even more relevant for creative work (writing, making music, etc), a bit of structure forces you to show up every day (otherwise we'd just end up watching Netflix all day) but a good part of it (and what takes you a few steps further) is also enjoying what you do. Been thinking about my running routine (training for a half-marathon in December) and how it's probably time to mix it up a bit and make it less monotone/boring.
Absolutely agree that it applies to creative work! I think the experimentation and creative processes are one and the same, or if not identical then very closely linked.
I've been in business close to 17 years, and writing a newsletter/blog/social for at least 16 of those. And I've *always* struggled with consistency. Some months I'm buzzing and publishing, and other months I'm behind-the-scenes working with clients and letting my online publishing languish.
I've given myself a hard time about this for most of those years, but I also know that blind consistency as you named it here, absolutely does not work for me, nor does it produce my best work.
I think the key (for me anyway) is to be inconsistently inconsistent. lol
I need to be consistent enough that people know I'll show up and they can count on me (especially here on Substack with paid subscribers) but inconsistent enough that I give myself enough breathing room and flexibility.
It's a fine balance and one I'm way more committed to since joining Substack.
I appreciate your post. :)
Inconsistently inconsistent, I love it!! Do it in whatever way works for you, I say 😊
“Make experimentation your mantra” Resonates perfectly with me in the season I’m in! 😇
Oo, tell me more…!
Career things! Hitting a growth ceiling (7 years of e-commerce marketing), going on a career break, struggling with tearing down the image of me working in a corporate desk job to invite a new image of.. freelancing? freelancing and working in a desk job? I just need to keep experimenting with different tiny jobs to let the next step unfold. That, and networking... thoughts? :))
If you have the means (time, money etc.) to be able to experiment, play around and feel into what you enjoy vs. what drains your energy, then this is AWESOME and I’d highly recommend taking the pressure off and just seeing how things feel.
Absolutely enjoyed this piece. Thank you for creating!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind feedback. Hopefully it's helpful!
Brilliantly summarised Anna! Often we can burden our wants from 'get tos' into 'have tos' making them seem like a chore. I love the updated formula for success, which I see myself in my exercise routine - variation and picking fun ways to keep fit allow me to avoid stagnation and keep showing up. What tracker are you using?
Thanks SJ it means a lot to have you read my work! I fastidiously track my behaviour across lots of areas of my life (I’m a little bit psycho haha), I use, live and die by Notion. What do you use?
I loved how this turned out, Anna. The personal stories you intertwined are SO good.
You've blown me away this cohort with your sharp insights, personal stories and lovely essay.
Congrats on keeping the publishing train rolling :)
Thanks Tommy, couldn’t have done it without your amazing feedback!
I think it was Olivia Wilde who said ‘consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative’. I think he’s right!