“Stop responding, start creating.”
“Focus on output, not throughput.”
Over the last couple of months, I’ve come across
both of these phrases. Both have made me stop and think. So much of what I’m
now doing is “responding.” Responding to emails, responding to text messages,
responding to posts on social media, etc.
I suppose responding can also be referred to as “throughput.”
These are both elements of a larger process that is not centered on
creation. They may be focused on “getting things done” but not necessarily on
accomplishing things that are truly worthwhile.
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| It was author Erik Qualman who said "Focus on output, not throughput" at a recent work event. |
I suppose responding and throughput would not be
so bad if simultaneously we were able to create. The problem, however, is it
that we can get so used to the practice and relative ease of responding and
throughput that we pretty much neglect creating entirely.
Personally, I am constantly putting off exercising
my creativity in ways that used to be a core part of my life. I no longer write
to elucidate my thoughts, or dedicate an evening to painting a picture. Instead,
I’m all about crossing mundane items off my list.
The mundane tasks need to be done. But can’t they
be done in-between pockets of creativity? It’s as if I’ve become so used to achieving
these daily tasks that I’ve forgotten who I am, what I like to do, and how to create
something of value.
Writing and art have become so unfamiliar to me
that I’m afraid I can’t do them anymore. So I just need to sit down and do
them.
End of story.
