I had an inspiring talk with Frank Warren of PostSecret today, who has become a friend and mentor to me following a recent collaboration. In the midst of the meandering conversation, he reminded me to do a very simple thing.
Enjoy the ride.
As much as I love my work, it feels relentless. I am never satisfied with the things I make. I am never content with the current set of challenges I face. And I am always looking for new buildings to climb, even when I know I’m moving too fast or teetering on the edge.
I can never get better fast enough. I can never understand deeply enough. And I can never follow through, execute or focus long enough.
I have felt this way to varying degrees as far back as I can remember. And yet, things get done. I make things. I learn things. I try to help other people make and learn things. And when I take a step back and look at this body of things as a whole, they do seem to be getting just a little bit better – a little bit closer to that place I imagine I want to be.
My way of trying to create these things is honestly kind of a mess, but it’s my mess. And most days it’s a fun mess.
Someday maybe I’ll arrive and feel content and have learned enough and made enough to feel that everything just clicks. Or maybe not. Either way, the ride is nice and the wind feels good and I have a lot more room on me for bumps and bruises along the way.
Thanks Frank.
Image: Fifty People One Question, Live
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