What Working Means

Many years ago, I came across a list by Eric Maisel, author of Fearless Creating, of what working means. It’s a great book and a great list that I read to all my workshop groups. I think it’s a good reminder given my “108 days of creating” goal. Here is my version of his list.

Today’s “mini pastel” on Wallis that I toned with colored gesso.

Remember that working entails all of the following:

• Working means caring for the work.
• Working means not thinking so much.
• Working means starting.
• Working means doing what you’d planned despite disturbances.
• Working means working when you don’t want to.
• Working means working when you’re sad and ecstatic and everything in between.
• Working means being present for the work.
• Working means letting go of all distractions but the work.
• Working means making a choice to do a particular something.
• Working means working amidst the chaos of life.
• Working means manifesting drive and direction.
• Working means believing in unlimited possibilities.
• Working means believing there are no limits.
• Working means working on a particular day.
• Working means silencing distractions.
• Working means loving even the “yucky” work.
• Working means loving even the “awful” work.
• Working means always working to your edge.
• Working means working over a long period of time.
• Working means not being a perfectionist.
• Working means giving yourself permission to do it badly.
• Working means being devoted.
• Working means making a sacrifice.
• Working means surrendering.

Good Luck!