I changed my mind.
And I'm reaping the benefits...
INSIDE: I discovered something new about myself, being open to change, the joys of having multiple items on the go at once + some interesting facts…
So… I have something important to tell you.
As you may have noticed, I’ve learned something new about myself.
I used to be a one-project-at-a-time maker. I was like this for years!
But now… I’m a several-works-in-progress-at-once person.
What could’ve caused this?
Well… I thought I’d look into what the experts say. And it’s… mixed. Like most great debates on creativity!
Here’s what those who stand for the one-at-a-time only approach say…
In his book Slow Productivity, Cal Newport presents his philosophy for a more sustainable approach to work and progressing on creative projects.
One of his principles (the most important one) is ‘focus on fewer things.’ That way, your attention can be deeper and more rewarding when it’s less scattered.
Cal Newport calls this divided attention ‘context switching’, and that’s why it’s so hard for your brain to refocus on an engrossing task after getting interrupted.
Some studies have found it takes up to 20 minutes!
Many writers on creativity argue the modern world has enough competing demands already, so why should you add more to your life?
In my crafting journey, I’ve noticed I did one project at a time because it fitted in with the limited time I had in-between other responsibilities.
Having one small project is much easier to have with you on-the-go.
And those who prefer multiple WIPS say:
In his writing, the artist Austin Kleon often mentions how having several ideas and projects helps keep you inspired.
For example, in Steal Like An Artist:
“It’s good to have a lot of projects going at once so you can bounce between them. When you get sick of one project, move over to another, and when you’re sick of that one, move back to the project you left. Practice productive procrastination.”
He talks about how he’s always loved writing and music, but he felt the internal pressure to only choose one. So, he stuck to writing for years.
But… it never felt right.
When he finally allowed himself both, he felt whole again:
“And the crazy thing is, rather than the music taking away from my writing, I find it interacting with my writing and making it better—I can tell that new synapses in my brain are firing, and new connections are being made.”
Another writer, David Epstein, in his book, Range, recommends being a generalist (knowledge in many things) instead of specializing.
The more things you experiment with, the more interesting ideas you’ll have!
And I’ve noticed having several choices gives me more flexibility.
For example:
When I’d like to relax with something repetitive, I can do that.
When I have the space for something larger, it’s there waiting for me.
And when I need something to fit in my handbag, I’ve got one ready!
But… we all know the real answer… Whatever works for you is best! 😉
This is a great reminder of how being open to new perspectives is a gift.
And another question for you: why do you have the amount of projects-on-the-go you do? What drew you to that approach?
Press reply or leave a comment!
Mystery Quote Of The Week
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude.”
Who said this? Comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s quote and author was…
“A creative life is an amplified life. It's a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert
Comment below if you got it right.
Crafting Trivia Question Of The Week
Which textile-making tools helped start the Industrial Revolution?
What’s the answer? Leave a comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s question and answer was…
What’s the name of the Egyptian god associated with craftsmanship and artisans?
Ptah
Did you get it right? Leave a comment if you did!
P.S. Be here at the same time on Sunday so you don’t miss Coco & Pepper’s picks!
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
In my ideal world, I would have just two: one for at home and one for on-the-go. However, I often find myself getting really excited to cast on a new project before my previous one is finished. Or I find that I'm in need of a particular wardrobe item by a deadline (usually thanks to the weather) and I need to add another WIP to my list.
I'm on team "several wips at the same time too". One of the crafting moments I have more difficulties with is when deciding what to crochet next. It's comforting to know I can always grab something to help me settle and think better. What often happens is some wips (if not all) are experiments, exercises to try an idea out, or only swatches to learn and practice something new. It's also nice to have at least two wips: one more simple and portable; another more complicated (which I make portable for as long as I can).
(On the trivia, I'd say it was... the loom?)