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.