Why creating is painful sometimes

This idea applies to whatever your craft may be.

I used to think there was 1 hat I wore whenever I set out to write something: “writer”. There was is a snow-white, blank space with a blinking cursor in front of me and “Writer” would somehow, often painfully, write.

Over time, I learned there are actually 3 hats to wear when “writing”:

1. Idea Listener: Decide on a topic that lights you up from the inside (because it will light others up too).

2. Writer: Allow yourself to just write what comes, unedited.

3. Editor: Check for concept, clarity, contribution, and coherence (grammar!).

Play your roles in order—it makes a difference, just like the steps of a recipe matter.

Each role needs its own time and space on your calendar, because you are showing up 3 very different ways.

Diving in without clear intent can make any creative process painful.