Hot flash or slow burn?

One of the oldest questions and dilemmas for artists and creative people is the consistency of their output.

Is it better to maintain a steady output, write/ paint/ compose a little each day, even if it's just for ten or fifteen minutes?

By developing this habit we create an ever-open channel for our creativity to flow steadily through and it never becomes intimidating or disheartening if we create a little less some days because we know that the next day, or the day after that, we'll return with something amazing again.

Alternatively there's the inspiration of the muse, waiting for that elusive inspiration to strike and bless us with the ability for glorious fresh creative expression. And then disappear again for days, weeks or months on end...

The glamourised or romantic notions around being creative, and it being our sole purpose especially, suggests the "hot flash" approach just described is the ONLY way for the true creative. For a long time I agreed.

But look at any artist who has produced a consistent body of significant work and a little research into their methods and discipline nearly always reveals a steady unwavering dedication, a commitment to their art and to themselves, a few tiny steps each day.

And so with our lives in general. Do we spend months just waiting around for the right partner/ job/ circumstances to suddenly fall into our laps? Yes if you want to spend most of your life feeling frustrated and anxious.

Instead we can take control, always moving towards our dreams and ambitions, always seeking new ways and new ideas, being open minded, experimenting and seeing what works for us and what doesn't, both creatively and in our wider lives.

The things that work for us we keep doing, the stuff that doesn't, we drop. We choose to be in charge, and we can then enjoy everything that we do, every experience we have.

Remember even if we do choose to take the "slow burn" route, it doesn't mean we WON'T have those amazingly rich bursts of creativity. In fact it gives them more of a chance to develop, permission almost to visit us any time, because we're always open, always ready.

So, what are YOUR notions around how you can be creative? Maybe they enable you to be as prolific as you wish to be. Or maybe they've been holding you back..?