THE PROCESS

If you’re serious, you’ll work at managing your psychology such that you stay motivated to keep going, because if you run out of juice, you’re out of the game.

If you’re serious, you will optimize for survival, because you can’t keep playing if you’re dead.

reading fiction is so important for writing non-fiction prose that’s enjoyable to read

one way to live with the discomfort is to reframe it as evidence. instead of telling yourself “i’m bad at this,” try “i’m inside the process.” the first thought breeds shame and avoidance. the second breeds patience. the language you use with yourself matters because it dictates whether you return to the desk, to the studio, to the practice space.... See more

learning demands a temporary surrender of pride.

but the discomfort is not proof that you’re failing; it’s proof that you’re present in the process. when you feel that itch of inadequacy, that awkwardness of not being fluent yet, that is the body’s way of recording: something new is happening here. neurons are straining to connect. muscles are memorizing movements. patterns are being written. the... See more