When starting a productive or creative project, I find myself exaggerating the need for new tools, gear, or equipment before making any actual creative output.
- I’d probably write some great songs if I just had that new guitar or amp.
- It would be fun to do a podcast. Now, what are the best microphones.
- I would get more exercise if I had a nice new pair of running shoes, or maybe an Apple Watch.
- I could really get some great writing done if I had a new workspace, or a new desk and chair.
It’s obvious procrastination. Goods tools are important, but I often have what I need already. I at least have what I need to get started.
I’ve been enjoying playing guitar more again in the past year or two. I even started a bit of recording.
Next thing I knew, I had to have a bass guitar. Precious evenings were lost to scouring the internet for just what bass I should buy. Recognizing my premature leap to tool acquisition, I’ve tried to reverse the process by making a deal with myself.
Rather than thinking, if only I had a new bass guitar, I would write all these songs, I’m trying this instead: If I write and record five actual songs, then I will buy a bass.
They don’t have to be good songs, but they have to exist. As Chris & Dave repeat in the opening of each episode of their ShopTalk Show podcast: Just! Build! Websites! (replace building websites with whatever it is you want to do).
I can write and record songs without a new bass. If I never end up writing or recording anything, then I know it would have been a wasted purchase anyhow.
It’s been about six months so far, and I’m about 10% of the way to my goal. For those doing the math, that means I’ve got about half of one song. It remains to be seen if I’m someone who writes and records songs, or just a person who thinks of themselves as someone who writes and records songs.
