Quote First forget inspiration. Habit is more...

“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won't. Habit is persistence in practice.” - Octavia E. Butler

Decryption of quote

Forget inspiration, rely on habit. This quote reminds us that waiting for inspiration to strike before taking action is not always the most reliable approach. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of developing strong habits that will carry us through even when inspiration is lacking.

Habit is dependable. Unlike inspiration, which can be fleeting and unpredictable, habit is something we can rely on day in and day out. It provides a sense of stability and consistency that can help us stay on track and make progress towards our goals.

Habit sustains us. When we have established good habits, we are able to keep moving forward even when we don't feel particularly motivated or inspired. It is the routine and discipline of habit that sustains us through the ups and downs of creative work.

Habit helps us finish. One of the biggest challenges in any creative endeavor is finishing what we start. By cultivating strong habits, we are more likely to see our projects through to completion, even when the initial excitement has worn off.

Habit helps us polish our work. It is through consistent practice and repetition that we are able to refine and improve our skills. Habit allows us to dedicate the time and effort needed to polish our stories and make them the best they can be.

Inspiration is not enough. While inspiration can certainly be a powerful force, it is not always enough to sustain us through the long and often challenging process of creating something meaningful. Habit, on the other hand, is what keeps us going when the initial burst of inspiration fades.

Habit is persistence. It is the daily practice of showing up and putting in the work that ultimately leads to success. By cultivating strong habits, we are able to persist in our practice even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.

Habit is practice. It is through consistent practice that we are able to develop our skills and improve as artists. By making creativity a habit, we are able to make steady progress towards our goals and continue to grow and evolve as creators.

So, forget inspiration and embrace habit. By focusing on developing strong habits, we can ensure that we are able to consistently show up and do the work, regardless of whether or not we feel inspired. It is through habit that we are able to sustain our creative practice and ultimately achieve our goals.




creative-process inspiration persistence writing

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