Create: Day 86
August 26, 2011 
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Day 86 Acting like chicks.
Geese imprinted to the pilot of this ultralight. Creative commons photo by Superbass.
Everyone knows that newly born chicks, during a specific time period, will imprint on whatever they see moving. You probably remember seeing photos of the famous zoologist Konrad Lorenz with tiny goslings following after him. Once imprinted, that’s that. Those chicks are gonna follow whatever it is they’ve seen. (This is how filmmakers have been able to produce such spectacular migration films).
Let’s use this idea metaphorically for a minute. I know it’s a stretch, but play along with me: Sometimes we behave like chicks in our creative lives. We imprint on a certain project and follow it blindly—even if it no longer speaks to us. Why is it so hard to let them go?
Today make a list of all the creative projects you’d like to complete in the next year.
Then look at the list again and narrow it down to the things you can realistically complete in the next year.
Then cut that by about half.
Next, rank the projects in order of importance.
If the project that’s dogging you doesn’t make the list, let it go. If it’s not in the top few, let it go.
Create Month 3 What to do so far: In case you missed a day, the reminders below are clickable. Turn unproductive activity into creativity. Kill the angel and tell the truth. Try ephemeral art. Take a road trip. Implement the 7 habits of creative people. Don’t wait for inspiration. Avoid online undermine. Create at any age. Make a portable Creation Station. Use something taboo in your art. Implement unplugged weekends. Find a mentor or be one. On the Ides, I’d rather… Support arts education. Get older and let your creative brain cells branch. Start a new project: fill out a completion plan. Enliven creativity by getting out in nature. Take on a new creative identity. Spend more time on creative ventures. Look for places on your schedule to add creative time. Learn Gleeful lessons. Take a creativity quiz. Learn from a master: John Updike. Forget the imprinting. Let go of projects. Need a refresher for Create Month 2? Click here. Need a refresher for Create Month 1? Click here.
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