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Historically, artists weren’t revered. Certainly, there were exceptions. But the artists was an outsider.

An other.

The other is to be pitied. Or feared.

Not craftsmen. Those who created pottery or jewelry. Built temples. Carved statues.

But, artists, who tried to change the way people looked at things.

Because the artist saw things differently.

If I told you to do it, I’d better be prepared to do it myself.

Just put it on paper. Well, here’s this blog. It’s thoughts I have daily.

Just make it. Well, I’m working on it. Three films, a novel, two academic works, and more. I can’t say I don’t have something to do.

Just move on. It’s easy to carry the weight of mistakes we’ve made, are situations we’ve failed. But they exist, and are in the past. We can’t change them, but we can move on. So I’d better move on.

It’s something I heard recently, and it resonated with me. When someone wants your attention, they do so for a reason. And it’s usually based on their insecurity.

The telemarketer calls you because the company is insecure in results.

Same with email, advertisements, and even individuals, all vying for your limited attention.

The next time you are accosted by requests, consider what they’re asking, the reason behind it, and why you’re a viable candidate for them to ask.

For some, it’s hard to create in a vacuum. If you’re like me, you probably like researching.

And while research is crucial, still, don’t underestimate the power of your own intuition. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places.

As Pablo Picasso said, “Inspiration comes while working”.

Trust your gut and make something.

You can’t blindly charge forward without any plan.

You can, but what will it achieve.

Sure, maybe you’ll included in the one in a million that achieves accidental success.

But are those odds you want to count on?

When you worry about things beyond your control. it’s called anxiety.

If you can’t do anything about an issue, why should you carry the concern with you?

And if you can do something, then you should do it.

Cal Newport wrote about mental overhead, calling it the “cognitive strain associated with managing multiple tasks, projects, or commitments simultaneously.”

It includes the mental effort required to remember details, switch between tasks, and maintain focus.

As you increase the number of collaborations you’re involved with, you increase your mental overhead.- the load that your mind carries as it switches back and forth, managing all thee details.

And it isn’t necessarily a 1:1 trade-off, where the mental overhead may increase exponentially with the addition of just one more project.

Your body knows what it needs. Sleep. Food. Energy for work,

Learn to listen to what your body is telling you.

Nearly all activities would benefit from more thoughtful, focused, and attentive participation.

Why commit to the shallow, when it’s so much more fulfilling to endeavor to the profound?

It’s hot out there.

Turns out, the Ancient Romans used to blame summer’s heat on Sirius in the sky. Sirius, the dog star.

Hence, dog days of summer.