The Process Affects Your Feelings Toward The Product
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 180
Hello, everyone!
I recently read an article about how The Beatles had songs in their repertoire that were their least favorite.
As a Beatles fan, I listen and think, what’s not to like?
It turns out that it may be more than a case of the creator being their own worst critic.
The article explained why the songs were their least favorite. It often depended on the experience behind the song. After a little thought, it made sense. Our experience can determine how we feel about the end product.
Even when you like the end product, a negative experience during the process can make you say, “I’ll never do that again.” It can be one (or more) of the elements in the process, or a lesson you needed to learn. However, your negative experience gives you enough information for future activities.
Have you experienced this before? I have. Two recent examples come from art and writing.
No matter the method, I have tried most art classes that come my way. A few of those methods, I’ll never do again. Using charcoal or chalk to sketch is a perfect example. It’s not that I can’t produce an acceptable image. It’s the sensory experience. The feel of holding the charcoal or chalk, and the sound it makes on the paper, gives me the shivers. The process does not justify any end product I could create.
Have I ever told you that I have almost completed writing a book? It’s a short book about how to start a journaling habit. The majority of the chapters are finished, and all that is required is a final edit. And you won’t ever read it.
My book is a “product” I worked on while taking an online writing course. During my book-writing experience, I discovered I didn’t like the process. Even with a simple writing platform, I found the work tedious. There were too many small decisions to make. I wasn’t interested in making money, and I wasn’t enjoying the process. I just believe that everyone would benefit from journaling.
Who wants to be reminded of a bad experience by revisiting the end product, no matter how good others think it is? Even if you’re good at it, why would you pursue it?
So, like The Beatles, the process left me with negative feelings about my end products.
I didn’t immediately give up on my experiences. I’ve learned to give the processes enough of a chance to make an informed decision. I do that for any new experience. Charcoal and chalk weren’t for me, but watercolor is. I had to give that several tries. I didn’t give up on my book until I had completed 13 out of 14 chapters. That sounds crazy, but I don’t think I would have ever been satisfied.
My experiences taught me many art methods I loved. I learned that I wanted to write for my own enjoyment and to share with others, thinking they may benefit from my thoughts. I started this newsletter, and two years later started my newsletter From The Pen’s Nib: A Commonplace Book About Journaling. Both are much more relaxed and fulfill my desire to write and share.
The Beatles probably learned from their experiences. Even though they split as a group, they probably applied their experiences to their individual creations and enjoyed the process.
Life is too short to do things you don’t enjoy, especially if you have a choice.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:
If you want to read about the Beatles’ least favorite songs, you can read the article here. 🎶
Here are some facts about the songs The Beatles recorded. 🔊
It’s important not to confuse experiences you do for fun and don’t like with those you need to do for health and don’t like. You can learn to tolerate a lot for the sake of your health. 👩🏼⚕️
Many elements go into an experience, such as purpose, environment, methods, tools, and people. Changing one or two elements may make a difference, which is why you shouldn’t give up right away. 🥣
It’s a good thing to try new experiences. You never know when you will hit on one that’s just for you. Try sketching with charcoal. You may love it!
Even though I didn’t publish a book about starting a journaling habit, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned in the process of what I did. 📔
My examples are taken from hobbies, however, the process of anything you do in life, including your career, can affect how you feel about it. Learn from your experience and apply the lessons.
Thank you for reading. Have you ever stopped an activity because of the experience?
Until next time,
💙
Susan
What do you think of The Beatles’ least favorite songs? Leave a comment and let me know.
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I have a 2nd newsletter about journaling. It’s a great way to learn about journaling, especially if you are new to the habit. If you are interested or know someone who would be, check it out at From The Pen’s Nib: A Commonplace Book About Journaling.