My brain as a time-share operator.

I was considering why I start projects before ones I’m busy with are completed. My brain seems to switch tasks like a mental juggler. There’s usually a painting or two, or three on the go and then I’ll notice the wool that’s been lying around for a while. A scarf would look great, you know, those Mobius ones. I don’t have a pattern but how difficult can it be?....

A gorgeous Amethyst pendant will attract my attention and give me ideas of how I can string some beads together and make myself a purple necklace. Some decorative balls that need a make-over are in the process of being mosaic-ed.  A plaster cast of a head has been half covered in pewter until I decide how I’m going to finish it.

How I’m going to finish….. it kind of echoed in my head and I remembered an article I read about  the useful art of procrastination- Frank Partnoy.

It went on to say “You're not procrastinating, you're managing delay.” I have decided that I no longer procrastinate, I manage delay.

In the past I would start something with all the intention of finishing it before I try my next idea. That’s sensible, practical even. Another benefit is that I won’t have the contents of my studio/workroom spreading out and overflowing untidily into the rest of the house. My thoughts won’t be all scattered and jumbled.

I’m sure the voice of reason distracted me from the task at hand. I would often get frustrated and irritable. Misgivings, insecurities and excuses abounded. My creative project became a chore and I would often loose interest.

I now realize that as I work on more than one project, the generation of ‘the creative juices’ prevents me from getting stuck. Switching from one project to the other as I go along keeps me motivated and creative.  There is an excitement that generates my ideas and an energy which powers them into existence.    

And in the words of Viktor E. Frankl - Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.