A lot of people have told me over the years that they would create more if only they had time.

Since it’s my job to write and create, this is usually framed as “Hey, if I had your kind of time I’d write a lot too”

I’m guessing that many are now learning that this isn’t true. If you always thought you would write a novel or pick up an instrument or start painting again if you just had the time but have found yourself completely unproductive now that you do, don’t worry; I’m not here to shame you.

I’m going to give you very good news about it.

Nothing is real.

Thread. Take the most solid object around you. How about a granite countertop?

It’s made of almost nothing. Zoom in and its smooth surface becomes rough and cavernous. Keep zooming in. Everywhere you turn your gaze, “something” will give way to “nothing.”

It’s all empty space.

Some quick thoughts on creativity. This applies to writers, musicians, artists. Everyone.

Thread. We often say “90% of the battle is getting your ass in the chair and just doing it.”

Sure. For the amateur-minded, that is practically the whole battle.

But I’m talking about pros here.

So then, what about that other 10% of the battle?

Let’s talk about “ideas.” People often equate “creativity” with “ideas.” So someone who is deemed “creative” is someone who has a lot of interesting ideas.

That’s fine if you’re talking about a preschooler.

A great point from @DeeperThrill.

It reminds me of the importance of focus.

https://twitter.com/deeperthrill/status/1013670300737777665

Consider light. If you diffuse light through a room, everything is dim, soft-edged, and barely visible.

But channel that same light into a beam and it sets things on fire.

Attention is the same way.