How “deadlines” can kill creativity.

January 18, 2012 27 Comments


Whilst I appreciate the principle of “deadlines” I am not sure whether I like the idea of panicking and working/creating from nervous energy.

Although I am sure it is better than creating nothing at all.

How much does the love of what we do drive our productivity? I mean loving the process, the shaping the creating, the finding and the discovering.

When we work this way “finishing” can almost be like grieving.

We get nervous when we focus on the finish line (our ill defined notion of success) rather than dwelling in the beauty of creating.

Don’t think about the end; just stay in the moment.

 

Problem with deadlines

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2012 Copyright Seven Sentences – The Problem With Deadlines

About GeoffTalbot: Geoff Talbot is the founder of this Creative Blog. He loves writing words that encourage creative people.

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  • http://www.theanalogoustruth.wordpress.com/ Arny

    Every great song has to end…but that is no reason not to enjoy the music…

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      I love this quote. Thanks so much Amy!

    • Kattenburg Kathy

      You can always replay the song. Over and over and over….

      • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

        If you get sick of the same song you can write another

  • Faz Kamar (@Faz_Kerk)

    How do we get a good balance of loving the process that drives the crafting + creating AND completing the ‘deliverable’?

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      I think that is both the answer and the question :)

    • AscensionForYou

      Hi Faz, i think its in not looking to have perfection, as that just drives a big wedge between them.

  • http://twitter.com/NZ_Photographer Kelly Newland

    I find deadlines force me to be more creative. I’m always amazed at what comes up when I’m under the gun. I’m pretty sure everyone will be a bit different with this. Good question.

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      Fair comment… Pressure can force the creativity out. Thanks for commenting

  • http://www.zahndrew.com/ Andrew Zahn

    We’re better than that aren’t we? “Panicking.” “Nervous energy.” Most of the times, those words/emotions are a choice. 

    Not saying I embrace deadlines brazenly… but they prevent procrastinating. 

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      This is true Andrew. Why do you/we try and meet deadlines? Is it the fear of the consequences of not meeting them…? Or the satisfaction of success?

  • Arna Baartz

    staying in the moment…much more satisfying

  • Matthew

    For me, I think it’s important to finish regardless of the work’s quality.  Review the draft, the edit, the painting, and assess what works and doesn’t work.  Then, start again and finish it.  Keep at it until one senses some satisfaction with the piece.  I find deadlines extremely useful in the creative process.  I’m able to track my progress with a built in accountability structure.  Self-discipline is crucial for creating.          

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      Continuing to craft is an important part of te process. Thanks for Sharing Matthew!

  • http://www.ontargetcoach.com/ Brent Pittman

    I am most creative when I am peace with myself and others. Strife and conflict cloud your mind and don’t leave empty space for new ideas. 

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      Peace is a biggie – difficult for me because I have to slow down and taste my food. I am such a fast eater!

  • AscensionForYou

    Therein lies the human nature aspect…were always focusing on the end result and never think to realize, see, or think how far we have come along the respective road of our endeavors!  Loving it!

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      When you think you are going slow – go slower

      • AscensionForYou

        Cheers Geoff….very Interesting!!!

        ________________________________
        From: Disqus
        To: ascensionforyou@btinternet.com
        Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012, 23:11
        Subject: [sevensentences] Re: How “deadlines” can kill creativity.

        Disqus generic email template

        Geoff Talbot wrote, in response to AscensionForYou:
        When you think you are going slow – go slower
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  • http://beckyjoy.com/blog beckyjoy

    i can so relate to this one. I’ve been working under some pressure lately and having trouble sleeping thinking about it.

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      Keep going Becky! Thanks for Sharing

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  • http://www.charlotterainsdixon.com/ Charlotte

    Oh man, I love deadlines.  Totally agree with Kelly–deadlines make me more creative.  If I’ve got to get something out, my brain ignites under pressure.  Without deadlines, I’d revert to total sloth, my natural state.

    • http://sevensentences.com Geoff Talbot

      Okay… really glad that this works for you Charlotte!

  • Naeem Khattak

    The moment gone is the moment lost, next moment is not for sure, so what you have is, JUST THIS MOMENT. Choice is yours, what to do with it? 

  • http://twitter.com/TammyJPalmer Tammy J. Palmer

    I write at my own pace, which is admittedly slow, but when I focus on word counts and make deadlines for myself, nothing good comes out. Why rush ahead with the wrong words when waiting will bring the right ones?

    • http://sevensentences.com/ Geoff Talbot

      Is it simply about being patient?