Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Creativity Tips: And After You Begin ....

Finish.

Now, that's a problem. At least it is for many of us.

Here's the tip: Give yourself a deadline and find someone to hold you accountable.

For example, I finished knitting my first scarf (and I use the words "knitting" and "scarf" very loosely), because Mary wanted to wear it on Christmas. I was a day or two late, but I got it done.

Now, I'm knitting this scarf for my other daughter, Kate. Technically, it's much more scarfish. Scarfy? Scarflike? But, there's no deadline attached. And Kate's only comment has been, "That's great. I'll wear it every day, Mom."

Apparently sarcasm is inherited. Unfortunately, sarcasm isn't a great motivator. This is a tremendous disappointment to me, in so many ways. But, I digress.

Here's the point: With no deadline and no accountability, I take the project out once in a rare while, knit a row, and put it down. It's not getting done. It's not finished.

So repeat this formula after me:

Begin.
Begin again. And again. And again.
Finish. Then, celebrate!

P.S. Kate's birthday is at the end of March. Anyone want to hold me accountable for the scarf?

5 comments:

Vicki said...

Ok, you finish the scarf in time for her birthday, and I'll finish my quilt top by then too. I will also have the supplies for completely finishing the (6+ year-old)project bought by then.

Anonymous said...

Now, that is a deal! And, fyi, it was your post re: the "insane quilt" that prompted me to write this post!

The quilt is going to be gorgeous! For those of you who'd like a look, just click on my name at the top of this post.

Anonymous said...

P.S. In addition to looking at Vicki's quilt (see above), take a look at her blog!
http://sewinspired.blogspot.com/

Leslie said...

End of March, it is! No problem. You can definitely do it.

Vicki said...

Thanks Jan! I'm going to be getting the box down to work on it later this week.