As you know, I believe learning new things is an important habit to grow your career and improve your craft. But it is not the only way to approach a problem.
Lean Into What’s Working
While learning new things is crucial, recognizing what’s already working for you is equally magical.
Why is this important? Sometimes, the key to unlocking your next great idea isn’t about searching far and wide. It’s about continuing what’s already bringing you success. Here’s how you can lean into what’s working.
Reflect on Past Wins
Grab a notebook and start documenting your past creative victories. Reflect on the strategies that led to your breakthroughs. Did clearing your desk every night make your mornings more productive? Maybe brainstorming with a friend unlocked a flood of creativity. Also, consider where you were — was it a bustling café, a quiet library, or your cozy home office? By identifying these winning conditions, you can recreate and harness them for future projects. It’s like building your personal “success lab”.
Feedback Fiesta
Positive feedback is more than just a pat on the back; it’s a goldmine of insights into what makes your work shine. Go back through your emails, reviews, or comments where people praised your work. What specific elements did they highlight? Was it your witty dialogue, compelling characters, or unique plot twists? These are the aspects that resonate most with your audience. Use this feedback as your creative north star, guiding your efforts and helping you focus on your strengths. By doing this, you’ll not only maintain a high level of quality in your work, but also continue to delight and engage your audience.
Routine Refinement
Take a good look at your daily routine. When do you find yourself most productive and creative? Are you an early bird who thrives on morning quiet, or a night owl who finds inspiration under the stars? Identify the times when your creativity flows most freely and protect those hours like a dragon guarding its treasure. Examine the rituals that help you get into the creative zone—maybe it’s a cup of coffee, a walk in the park, or a few minutes of meditation. By doubling down on these habits, you create a reliable framework that supports your creative process. Routine isn’t the enemy of creativity; it’s the ally that helps you summon your muse on demand.
Storytelling Staples
Every writer has their storytelling staples—the themes, character types, or plot devices that naturally resonate with them and their audience. Reflect on your work and identify these recurring elements. Perhaps your stories often explore themes of redemption, feature strong female protagonists, or include unexpected twists that leave readers gasping. Don’t shy away from using these staples as the foundation for new stories. Instead, embrace them as your signature style, the unique flavor that makes your work distinct. By building on what you know works, you can craft stories that are both familiar and innovative, keeping your audience hooked while staying true to your creative voice.
Leaning into what’s working isn’t about getting stuck in a rut. It’s about recognizing your unique creative strengths and using them as a launchpad for even greater achievements.
My Current Obsession
I’m dreaming about Lucy Boynton’s (as Jean) clothes in the 1960s set spy thriller The Ipcress File on AMC+ and Acorn. Elegant suits, hats, and gloves with kitten heels. At one point she raids a house holding a handbag and a machine gun. On trend for the time and still stylish now. I want these clothes! I think it’s time to bring back gloves.
This is a wonderful example of how costumes are an extension of character. Jean is cool, collected, and capable, just like her wardrobe.
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