The Writing Life
I’d like to do a little more wrong. – Eva Hesse
An artist’s work can be attributed to a few things, three of them being training, personal inclination and experiences, and conversations with one’s contemporaries. Eva Hesse, a fine artist in the sixties, exemplifies all three traits. She studied art; she had a personal inclination to make art; her personal experiences and personality informed her art; and she conversed with her contemporaries.
“Mindfulness” is a word bandied about the interwebs. It’s sometimes referred to as “being present.” The two concepts owe much of their popularity to a world in which attention often is fragmented, and distractions are plentiful.
I read an article that touted the many reasons overachievers frequently under-deliver. I admit it; the article rankled. Perhaps it had that effect because I am one of those overachievers. It always hurts to have one’s flaws paraded before the public and to have them used as reasons to say “avoid hiring this person!”
[Read more…] about 6 Ways to Turn Overachievers into Achievers
Any time I think about deadlines, I think of the infamous incident when I missed one. My mom thinks the story is false since she doesn’t remember it, but I know it happened. I was in the sixth grade. I had a history essay or a book report due. I didn’t write it. I missed the deadline. Punishment was given.
Writers – most creative people, really – can be a touchy bunch. I know. I’m one of them. If asked if I’m easy to get along with, I could only say I try to be.
My youngest brother is the exact opposite. He’s the easiest person in the world to get along with. If he’s the “duck” of the family, I’m the porcupine. I more often turn “quilly” rather than let situations and stressors roll off me.
“Good” is a subjective qualifier, but most people know when the work they produce is good or mediocre. Good work is doing one’s best. Mediocre is doing just enough to get by. Good work may receive criticism and need corrections. Mediocre work has to be completely redone.