This is Edition No.2 of this weekly newsletter.
To create more efficiently and continually improve, one needs to refine their creative workflow, transforming the desire to create into actual works through discipline and skills.
In my previous article about creative procrastination, I analyzed the process and reasons behind my procrastination. Shortly after writing it, I read Robert Fritz's "The Path of Least Resistance," where he divided the creative process into three stages: germination, assimilation, and completion, and explains how these three stages operate and form a creative cycle.
This framework has greatly inspired me. In this article, I will introduce these three stages, explain how I understand them, and how I apply them to help myself establish a clearer workflow, thereby overcoming stagnation.
3 Stages of the Creative Process
The creative process has three stages: the germination period, the assimilation period, and the completion period. Each has its own energy type and actions.
Germination
The germination period is characterized by excitement and novelty, a kind of muse descending experience. During this stage, you need to form your own creative vision and philosophy. The excitement of the germination period makes you feel like you have infinite possibilities.
But if you can't implement your ideas after the excitement of new idea fades, no work will ever be produced. Many beginners stay in the germination period and never complete anything.
Assimilation
The assimilation period is the stage where, after the excitement ends, you transform the ideas generated in the germination period into actual works. In this stage, through continuous experimentation and learning, you integrate new knowledge and concepts into the initially abstract ideas, allowing the work to gradually take shape.
The assimilation period seems more tedious; there is an uncertain time gap between ideas and completion, and there are frustrations when methods are found to be unfeasible after verification.
This stage requires a lot of patience and self-discipline.
Completion
The completion period is the stage from when the work is basically shaped to its completion. At this time, the actions of verification gradually end, and actions focus on perfecting the work.
At the same time, you are also ready to enter a new germination period. The completion period requires channeling energy into the new germination period rather than stagnating after enjoying the pleasure of completion.
How to be more productive in these 3 stages
Creation is largely a psychological process, and the body is a tool to turn our mind into reality. Being more productive means mastering how to connect our mind to our body.
After understanding this cycle, I reflected and summarized the techniques I used and put them into these three stages to further consciously improve productivity at each stage.
Here are some of the techniques:
Germination Period
1. All creation is based on emotion, and it is important to understand the emotional motivation behind your creation.
I pay attention to scenes, works, and memories that trigger my emotions and understand them.
Some emotions are internal, such as dialoguing with my past self, conversing with people in my memories, creating the product or experience I desire, and making up for regrets.
Some emotions are external, such as responding to a special person, a specific work, and fulfilling a desire to connect with people.
When I need inspiration, I just put myself in situations that trigger inspiration. Or I recall memories that evoke emotions and get into the state.
2. Control your obsession with inspiration
Now I don't spend too much time indulging in imagination and emotions.
Once I have a vague idea of what I want to create, I end this stage and start validating.
Assimilation Period
1. Explore the form of expression that suits you
I remix familiar techniques and new expressions over and over, consolidating my style while exploring new areas, striving to produce some works that are somewhat fresh.
2. Don't get lost in endless learning
Creating new works often requires new knowledge. There is a time gap between acquiring knowledge and internalizing it.
I set a time limit for myself to stop modifying the current work and just collect the unused ideas to try them later.
Completion Period
There are fewer obstacles at this stage. Limiting your perfectionism to complete the work is key.
Learn while doing, enter a cycle of continuous publishing, and only then can you truly make progress.
In all three stages, it is essential to find a balance between free divergence and limiting exploration at the current stage.
Creation is about insight and control of oneself.
After all, we are captains of our souls.
Reference:
Robert Fritz (1984). The Path of Least Resistance.
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