Some things in life are cyclical. Seasons, for example. Holly shedding her winter coat, then growing her fuzz. Stocking the fridge after a run to the store to replenish what was consumed. Writing the first draft of a book, completing the steps to publication, then starting on the next project. Sometimes I’m aware of these cycles. Other times I seem to wait until flags are whipping me in the face before I notice which cycle is in which phase.
This week, as I read through my educational blog posts, editing and making notes, I thought about this project. On the way to and from the ranch one morning, I had a conversation with myself about my feelings regarding this book. That led to my thoughts and feelings about writing in general. Pre-internet, I don’t remember what I did when I had a question and sought answers. I probably talked to a friend or found a book in the library. Now, I look to Google but ignore the AI posts and read only what was written by people.
I’ve excelled at achievement. Working hard, delaying gratification, making sacrifices until a goal is reached. Acknowledging that completion for a hot second, then moving on to the next item on a list. I’ve learned there is another way. Through intention and focus on the process and not the instant at the end of the intention, a different emotional experience besides stress and striving can be found. Contentment. Happiness. Joy.
In fact, I wrote a book about being in joy while creating, Creative Play: A Guide for the Artistic Path. My Google search turned up the known suggestions of returning to joy while creating (writing, specifically). I found a couple of ideas/questions I hadn’t seen before. And when I thought about it, had that conversation with myself in the car, I realized there is an intersection of achievement (goal setting, working hard, driving toward completion) and joy (intention, play, liking the journey).
The obvious question was, can one both be motivated by achievement and also enjoy the process? I don’t think it’s an either/or answer. Instead, it’s an intersection. But not just one point along the path of accomplishing something, but a cycle. Set a goal, then create an intention. Do the actions, but be present to the process/moment. Acknowledge meeting the goal, and notice the richer experience for being in joy on the way there.
This project will be an achievement when I publish the book. A goal accomplished. But unless I recognize the intersections with joy as I journey, something will be missing from the book and my experience. Writing is hard. No reason for me to be discontented while doing it. So I’ll notice the bits of contentment as I compile the posts. Perhaps the intersection is a chance for me to notice the cycle.
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