don't mix creativity and editing
Creating and editing use two different parts of the brain.
When it comes to creating new work versus editing it, these processes engage different parts of the brain.
TL;DR: Don’t edit while you write. Don’t edit as you compose. Don’t edit as you paint.
Just create.
Editing has its place, yes. But only after enough creation.
When you switch between creating and editing, you're context switching. Context switching is costly—it drains energy, fractures focus, and kills momentum.
Momentum is the lifeblood of creation. It fuels the joy and excitement of the process. When you’re immersed, you’re in a state of flow—a state every artist seeks.
Take Disney, for example. They use distinct physical spaces to separate the two processes. One room is dedicated solely to ideation—no bad ideas, no filtering, no editing. Just pure brainstorming.
Once the idea session is complete, they move to a separate room for editing. This physical separation reinforces mental clarity, allowing each process to shine.
When the mind associates a space with a specific activity, it settles into the process more quickly and effectively.
If you’re struggling to create, ask yourself: Am I editing or filtering too soon?
Set aside 15 minutes to create. Whatever your craft, allow yourself to work with permanent markers—no edits, no erasing, no tweaking. Just pure creation.
No judgment. You have permission to make bad art.
When the session ends, step back and look at what you’ve done. It's probably not a masterpiece, but are there some ideas in there that you like? Has it sparked a new direction or inspiration?
Now, you have options. You can:
- Edit and refine what you’ve created.
- Continue building on your momentum.
- Start fresh with newfound inspiration.
Whatever you choose, honoring the distinct phases of creativity and editing will serve as a powerful tool in your creative process.
Creativity thrives in process. Your process is unique to you. But trust me on this artistic principle: giving yourself time and space to just create will unlock new levels of productivity and joy.
