Approaching new work is always a bit emotional and kind of scary, I know there’s no inherent danger here, and nobody will get hurt and whatever happens, I’ll be just fine. But it’s a fascinating thing, I have found over the years that if I have a new idea or approach if I notice a feeling of fear along with it, that usually means I’m going in the right direction.

What is that?

I guess it goes against most logic, you would think going in the right direction would feel “natural” or “easy”. For me this is not the case, if it’s a strong idea that has me very excited I’ll start rolling it around in my skull for a while, and if it’s a good one I’ll be wary of approaching it. I know it could be simplified as a fear of the unknown, but it feels like much more than that as if it has some powerful force field around it.

I’m becoming ok with this strange dynamic and I’ve been learning to take it for what it is; a good sign to look out for. The creative process is such an interesting thing, and I know it’s very different for everyone but whenever you’re pushing your boundaries, be consciously aware of how you feel. Is your heart rate going up a bit, is your breathing changing, do you sense a little electricity all around you? These are clues your body and mind are giving you to help out, it’s a power, use it.

Pay attention and keep making stuff!