Perfection is unattainable, but there is always room for improvement, growth and development.
Every artist, student and critical thinker comes across a time in their lives when they grow complacent. They become content and comfortable in what they have accomplished and their abilities within their respective fields, leaving behind the burning passion that drove them to continuously improve.
For creative thinkers, the drive that keeps the various crafts evolving is the metaphorical pulse of the artist. The moment the artist loses the initial excitement and passion — similar to the feelings just after the completion of his or her first project — is the moment the craft takes a backseat to practicality.
I am guilty of this same concept. I had grown too comfortable and confident in my abilities and past experiences and let it get to my head. I took constructive criticism too personally, and I believed edits were detrimental to my creative process. By no means did I believe my work was perfect or I had attained perfection in my craft, but I was satisfied with where I was with my writing. I lacked the drive to advance.
After a particular set of edits, I remember taking a step back and thinking, “Why do I feel so personally attacked?” In the logical sense, I knew the edits weren’t attacking my writing or the content; it was simply business.
I realized my mistake a little late in the process and found myself drowning in textbooks and unrelated exams. Despite the hectic nature surrounding my epiphany, I knew I had to make time for my writing, or at least to read for leisure, in order to kickstart my creative process.
It’s important for every student, no matter creative or analytical, to take into consideration how he or she is feeling when presented with criticism. Every person is going to feel slightly disenchanted when confronted with a differing opinion, but if the negative emotions are affecting peer relationships or even self image, it is absolutely necessary to analyze the reasons behind the feelings.
Emotions are not meant to be ignored; there is a reason behind each feeling or thought. It is essential to recognize what you’re feeling, and in the example of complacency, find a solution with long-term benefits. Instant gratification, or a “quick fix,” is not constructive.
Half of the battle is endurance, and creative thinking can take a lot out of a person. Ease was never a promised part of life, or of art. Creativity takes time, hard work and the desire to evolve.
