Whether we write, paint, sculpt, draw, or compose music, it’s hard to detach ourselves from the reward we hope to earn from our work. When the result isn’t what we hoped for, it can be discouraging, and it can give the impression that maybe our work isn’t as great as we thought it was.
But was that the main goal? For me, the most important thing about creating is to create regardless of the outcome. It’s similar to playing a sport or a board game regardless of who won or loss. If we put in our all, the result will reflect that. The point was the enjoyment of the game, not the result (although, I dare say, it’s nice to win).
But when we focus on the result, it can bear a tremendous load on us. If it’s a positive one, it will put pressure on us to keep succeeding without fail. If it’s negative, we can be discouraged by it, and we might end up quitting altogether.
If we create just to create, there’s a satisfying feeling of having emptied our soul and imagination into our work–of seeing it come to life. Even if very few will appreciate it, at least we expressed what we believed was important. Who knows . . . many years down the line, it might inspire someone else.
Fallton Havenstonne 