The best way to learn, is to do.

Action over perfect execution is more valuable

than obsessing over something to the extent

you don't even finish it.

A lot of artists get trapped in a perfectionist mindset.

Whether that's due to imposter syndrome,

feeling inferior compared to what's already been done,

or simply wanting to create something

that no one has ever created before.

There is a tendency for the creative-minded

to be consumed with countless ideas at the same time,

and a belief that one can tackle them all at the same time.

This leads to burnout or half-baked end products,

because you are stretching yourself thin.

In my experience,

focusing intensely on one major project at a time,

yields the best results when it comes to quality, clarity, and fulfilment.

Ironically, if you spread yourself too thinly,

not a single one of the myriad of ideas

actually comes to meaningful fruition,

which can drain an artist's passion,

or make it feel as if they'll never create something substantial.

If we merge the idea of action over perfect execution

and attempting to create one project at a time,

we see an interesting dynamic emerge

which you can take as a principle in your own life.

A big project isn't something one can easily produce,

but one that requires intense focus, energy, time,

and trial and error.

It's important not to let these hurdles deter you,

but to see them as part of the process.

And the more daunting the task,

the bigger the rewards.

The quicker you start,

the quicker you prove to yourself that you can achieve it.

At this point,

you have passed the first fundamental step--

actually beginning,

which is further than most people ever get.

When I ran my first event,

I didn't have a second-by-second itinerary,

because I knew that on the actual day,

there would be unexpected bumps in the road,

and I would have to absorb them.

While carrying out the process,

I learned more than I ever could

compared to just undergoing the ideation phase.

Gladly,

it all paid off,

and I'm in a better position now,

than if I had second-guessed myself then.

So, Reader,

make sure you do one big project well,

instead of five big projects poorly,

and jump in with both feet into the discomfort,

as it will advance and improve your goals,

and you'll learn it all along the way.

Creative Update

The rest of the summer is a time of recuperation and ideation

as we gear up for autumn-time.

I have been reflecting on Poetry For Justice,

and we hope to create similar events in the future,

so watch this space!

It's safe to say there are many concepts in the pipeline,

as I aim to expand The Writer's Psyche into a platform

for artists and non-artists to unlock and find their creative selves.

Upcoming Opportunties

East Side Projects Artist Curator Traineeship

We are looking for someone to join the Eastside Projects team for 18 months and learn how to be an artist-curator through hands-on experience.

These posts are very competitive[...]

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 21ST AUGUST MIDNIGHT

Submissions Open at Poem Stellium

Poem Stellium welcomes poetry and short stories during selected submission periods throughout the year.

Submissions are not open year-round. They open in intentional cycles to allow space for careful reading, curation, and publication. When submissions are open, this page is updated with full details and access to submit (find link below)

All the best,

Bilal Psyche Akram