Are you creating? Or dithering?

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 28. 02. 2024
  • There are a zillion distractions out there (including this video). Let's talk about how to focus and why we should.
    💬 Want more ideas and perspective from me? For free? Subscribe for my weekly essays on creativity: dannysessays.com/
    Share your thoughts and questions by replying to any of my essays.
    Find more of my courses on SketchbookSkool.com
    📚 Some of my Books:
    📕 The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are: amzn.to/47x7dOj
    📘 Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are: amzn.to/49GmtKr
    📗 Shut Your Monkey: How to Control Your Inner Critic and Get More Done: amzn.to/3ulN8fG
    📙 You do you: Essays on being creative. amzn.to/3R0n96c
    👉 Stay Connected:
    Check out my other videos for more inspiration and practical advice on living a creatively fulfilling life. And don't forget to subscribe!
    Your support and interaction mean the world to me. Let's embark on this creative journey together!
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 139

  • @deborahcorreale352
    @deborahcorreale352 Před 3 měsíci +47

    WOW! How the heck do you know what in my head!!! I really really needed to hear this.
    Another way of dithering is buying courses of what you’d like to do whether it’s learn to draw, watercolor, use colored pencils, understanding, alcohol, markers, acrylic, painting, resin, etc. you see where this is going and then you never take the course or never complete the course and you buy another course and then you overwhelm yourself because you have multiple courses and now you paralyze yourself looking at the gigantic list of courses and then overwhelm yourself thinking which one do I start first and you can go down that rabbit hole as well. This is a great video. Thank you for posting it.

    • @peggyrustler
      @peggyrustler Před 3 měsíci +2

      I'm the same. Would be rich if I had saved the money 🫣

    • @deborahcorreale352
      @deborahcorreale352 Před 3 měsíci

      @@learnbyheart7 yes indeed I totally get it. I do the exact same thing

    • @deelitebaby
      @deelitebaby Před 3 měsíci +4

      This is so true! I have so many, many courses on a bunch of different platforms, all half-started. It's a very sneaky way we hide our procrastination from ourselves.

  • @allisonweeks504
    @allisonweeks504 Před 3 měsíci +30

    “Procrastination, the slow cousin of perfectionism”. 😬🙈 That hurts a little….but I needed to hear it! Thanks, Danny.

    • @Acrimonious_Snake
      @Acrimonious_Snake Před 3 měsíci

      Procrastination is a part of consumer's, not perfectionist's attitude

  • @celegleeson1767
    @celegleeson1767 Před 3 měsíci +43

    ARE YOU SPYING ON ME..? . HA HA HA HA. thanks. I'll listen a few more times and take this much needed advice in.

  • @lisasremnant
    @lisasremnant Před 3 měsíci +8

    You described me 100%. Since being retired, my days have been a fight between dithering and “arting”. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one experiencing this.

  • @Kreative_Rainbow
    @Kreative_Rainbow Před 3 měsíci +17

    Yup, you know me! 🤦‍♀️ I put the pro in procrastination!! 😅 It is prompted by perfectionism. What if I start and mess up? I'm a definite crafter, but I want to create written or painted art. I'm trying to start simple with prompt type sketchbooks. The most important thing to me is that art, especially colorful art, is therapeutic to my mind, heart, and soul. I need to focus on the therapy rather than perfection. So what if it looks like a child did it? I can still get therapy from it. I don't have to share it with anyone. It doesn't have to be perfect, just colorful, and make me feel better.

  • @dzl999
    @dzl999 Před 3 měsíci +7

    I need to watch this on a regular basis!

  • @deelitebaby
    @deelitebaby Před 3 měsíci +3

    One order of "creative spark smothered in crap and distraction," coming up!
    Thank you so much for this. As a lifelong procrastinator, one of the twisted little ways I dither away my time is by reading books and watching videos ABOUT procrastination.
    You hit the nail very poignantly on the head when you described how for many of us, the monkey has lulled us into a stupor of thinking we're just doing this for "fun"; it has quietly turned us away from our truer dreams.
    Thank you again - I'll get back to work now.

  • @Lotsahounds
    @Lotsahounds Před 3 měsíci +5

    Dithered the whole week away, except one day that I drew and painted, feeling guilty about the luxury. Perfectionism is debilitating. Thank you, Danny.

  • @lstandish9
    @lstandish9 Před 3 měsíci +6

    I’m such a ditherer!

  • @susannebukatz4457
    @susannebukatz4457 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Wonderfully put together! 👏🏻 I have a 14 month old daughter and couldn’t make up time for painting until now because I was so exhausted in the evenings.
    But the last two evenings, I did paint too small paintings, was completely in the flow and although I went to bed very late, I fell asleep instantly and woke up energised.
    If we manage to shift our mindset from the thought that making art is gonna be exhausting to that it is a great source of energy, fulfillment, and happiness, maybe it becomes easier to just start.

  • @jennifergil2037
    @jennifergil2037 Před 3 měsíci

    This has been so helpful just like all your content I’ve been binge watching. Maybe a little dithering as I contemplate watching another but I am learning… that you somehow know what my monkey says and know my heart deeply wants a meaningful life. I had loved art as a child and was especially talented. I wanted to be an art teacher but dropped out of college in my second year. I began to connect pain to art. The monkey got louder. Perfectionism paralyzed me. Now I’m 48. I’m ready to stop carrying the monkey around and entertaining it. Thank you for all your wonderful content. You inspire me to live my dream life!

  • @JaymeeKay
    @JaymeeKay Před 3 měsíci

    Wow! Subscribed. No one has ever explained screwing around quite like you, and it blew my mind. I may do it to avoid the different situations that it will create. So true!
    You don't know how much you gave me to think about...please more on this and how to stop before the day is wasted. ❤❤❤ TY.

  • @linwillow7344
    @linwillow7344 Před 3 měsíci +5

    This was excellent words for me! I can dither more than any soul I know.

  • @danbolton3180
    @danbolton3180 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I opererate under the Moose Miller philosophy of life. I weigh every current option against any other previous option, take a nap, and then eventually, and carefully list the choices for further consideration. I will inevitably file the list in a location I couldn't possibly find later, and wait, with hope, that nothing new crops up. It makes for full days.

  • @elisabethseeger5837
    @elisabethseeger5837 Před 3 měsíci +10

    Read the book WAR of ART about procrastination- why we do all the dithering!

  • @ladybradymx
    @ladybradymx Před 3 měsíci

    I love and appreciate your thoughtful and honest essays.I have been overpowering my inner critics voice with these new concepts to move towards my dreams and getting in the flow state where I feel accomplished after not ashamed and depleted!

  • @arleenarrieta7058
    @arleenarrieta7058 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This is brilliant.. as most of all your essays. They are always spot on. Thank you for your shares

  • @mgm7697
    @mgm7697 Před 3 měsíci

    Listening to you while carving….just be glad you had someone to make lunch and clean house, laundry too…..! Had to do that before I could do this…..

  • @suzannestevens8257
    @suzannestevens8257 Před 3 měsíci +5

    You're Spot On! It's so good to hear your spontaneous posts! Thks.

  • @PaintAndDrawTogether
    @PaintAndDrawTogether Před 3 měsíci +1

    Oh Danny this is brilliant. I just made a 3rd purchase this month of art supplies I definitely do not need but they look cool, after browsing for a few hours. Your essay hit right in the heart of it. I needed to hear this and go back to painting and finishing my YT video voice over. Thank you.

  • @lisasnyman2690
    @lisasnyman2690 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you Danny, I found this video while chronically dithering. This is profoundly insightful and helpful.

  • @mariaetheridge8343
    @mariaetheridge8343 Před 3 měsíci +4

    You described me perfectly! BUT... I cleaned and reorganised my studio today. Now, I ask myself: was that procrastination? Actually no - I've been meaning to do this for months and today... it happened! Spring is in the air and cleaning needs to be done - can't get away from that!

    • @CyndiDuncanArts
      @CyndiDuncanArts Před 3 měsíci

      I tear apart and put back together my studio quite often. I now wonder if that is my way of procrastinating.

    • @mariaetheridge8343
      @mariaetheridge8343 Před 3 měsíci

      @@CyndiDuncanArts Jip - quite possibly! I can always find something that needs to done first...

    • @bpsara
      @bpsara Před 3 měsíci

      Productive procrastination is the term you’re looking for! It’s tricky, because you feel like you’re getting something done, but it’s not what you’re actually meant to be doing atm. Basically distracting from your work with other work

  • @teresacox6107
    @teresacox6107 Před 3 měsíci

    This was one of my best dithering moments! Thank you 🙏

  • @milenafey6466
    @milenafey6466 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Thank you for this essay. Just what I needed to hear today. Off to my sketchbook :-)

  • @donnellylv
    @donnellylv Před 3 měsíci +1

    Do you know me? You just described me perfectly! That Monkey in my head is HUGE! Thanks for this video Danny! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who struggles everyday with dithering. Great word for it! This made my day!

  • @faith2691
    @faith2691 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I needed that. I have a day without the kids tomorrow. I'm going to write myself a sign to turn off my mobile, go for a walk, paint or write, eat and bath. That's it! Nothing else allowed!
    Xox

  • @juliabook9489
    @juliabook9489 Před 3 měsíci

    Thanks Danny. It’s just what I needed to hear.

  • @aprilmunday1152
    @aprilmunday1152 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I'm English. Dithering is an artform for us and sometimes it's a really good thing to do, but preferably not on a day when you've got a to-do list as long as your arm.

  • @pamparker7124
    @pamparker7124 Před 3 měsíci +4

    This is exactly where I am at, I’m ok after hearing your testimony on “dithering”….ty so much. Monkey, distractions, feeling dull from no achievement! My 🧩flesh fights my spirit..Jesus wins⚔️🛡

  • @RoadArtAdventure
    @RoadArtAdventure Před 3 měsíci

    You are spot on!

  • @jwraps310
    @jwraps310 Před 3 měsíci

    Wow, this on is spot on for me! I am 💯 a ditherer! Thanks for the post

  • @susancook1617
    @susancook1617 Před 3 měsíci

    Yes this is me! I desperately want to do some art but can manage to find 101 other unimportant things to do instead. No time left in the day for my art now. So, same again tomorrow? Thank you for your video. Tomorrow will be different 😊

  • @darnellehurd8986
    @darnellehurd8986 Před 3 měsíci

    Funny. 🤣 You just described many of my days in the first 2 minutes.

  • @rubendominguez179
    @rubendominguez179 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Danny,
    I am pretty sure videos such as this one. Would make for an excellent segment on CBS News "Sunday Morning". I personally do not agree with some of their content. But, the good usually outweighs the bad. And, I am sure your contribution would make the content much better.
    Sincerely,
    Ruben

  • @Ruynu
    @Ruynu Před 3 měsíci

    You are hereby adopted as my art therapist. You are clearly reading my mind and have a spy cam in my office. But, I trust you with my fragile ego and will limit my dithering for a time on just your channel. Thanks very much!

  • @BrianSalazar-kn5ng
    @BrianSalazar-kn5ng Před 3 měsíci

    You speak the truth brother

  • @gelya.shmelya
    @gelya.shmelya Před 3 měsíci +2

    Thank you, Danny, for another great video. You always get right to the point!

  • @suzydoodle6348
    @suzydoodle6348 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Wow, I'm sitting here in my art room on an old desk chair that slowly lowers itself several times a day! This essay was made for me, thank you! I'm going to trade out this chair for a dining chair right now and then I'm gonna get busy being artsy 😊

  • @barbaramccoy3592
    @barbaramccoy3592 Před 3 měsíci

    You always nail it! This ranks up there with your fantastic animation “Not for You.” Thank you 😊

  • @lilydabug
    @lilydabug Před 3 měsíci

    Your scenario at the beginning is the “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” of art!

  • @elizabethvarnadoe420
    @elizabethvarnadoe420 Před 3 měsíci

    Love that you call your inter critic a monkey voice.

  • @deborahmeyers551
    @deborahmeyers551 Před měsícem

    This hits home thanks Danny😊I like 👍 this reminder I've been dithering yeps 🤭

  • @CyndiDuncanArts
    @CyndiDuncanArts Před 3 měsíci

    I am TOTALLY a perfectionist. It usually stops me in my tracks as I do everything but the thing I want to do, usually because I am afraid I won't be able to get into "the zone" creatively. I am SO easily distracted! I require "the zone" to actually get projects accomplished. I do find, however, that just touching, or playing with, my supplies (making swatches) will release me to be more creative. It is what I do sometimes if I am blocked. But how easily it can squirrel me out of actual creative time! I'm so glad I found this video.

  • @bieckerchick
    @bieckerchick Před 3 měsíci

    WOW! It is comforting and a relief to know I am not alone....That was worth the MOON! Thank you so much🤗

  • @33Jenesis
    @33Jenesis Před 3 měsíci

    I have been good at doing some coloring, doodling, and embroidering daily. I also keep up with jutting down daily events and booking. It feels good to see the finished pieces and filled pages two months into 2024.

  • @jondoh587
    @jondoh587 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Dug: "Squirrel!"

  • @ceeemm1901
    @ceeemm1901 Před 3 měsíci

    Thanks Danny

  • @jonr6680
    @jonr6680 Před 3 měsíci

    I did a little 30min craft project today that I'd been putting off for months.
    I think what triggered me was ironically being busy at work, I was in the mindset of ticking boxes, getting stuff done.
    It's when I have freedom and choice, that's when things go wrong. Sunday mornings when noon arrives, still in PJs.
    PS this vid was just the right length for cleaning my teeth 'etc', no time wasted at all!!

  • @romaroalte2645
    @romaroalte2645 Před 3 měsíci

    I needed a father like YOU!

  • @spinnettdesigns
    @spinnettdesigns Před 3 měsíci

    I sharpen all my pencils, in color order…😂
    I have to stay that genuine focus has been my target for quite a while.
    One neurologist said what’s helpful is to do the hardest thing on your list first, then everything else feels easier.
    I still am learning to do this and the I realize that it’s not all that difficult, once I get going.
    It certainly helps that I hate feeling dull and wasting my day.
    One other help is that knowing that at 61, I don’t need to make excuses, I can do as I please, so what do I please?
    I have your fun and wonderful book “creative license”
    Thanks for your helpful insights ❤

  • @connieebinger6343
    @connieebinger6343 Před 3 měsíci

    This is so so so so true for me. Those things do seem important and like they’re going to move me along in a positive way, but I spent way too much time doing that. I think you’re right I think I’m avoiding actually doing work that I may not like. Thank you!

  • @DogMaxInc
    @DogMaxInc Před 3 měsíci

    Oh, I know exactly what you mean...I'm in the process of self publishing my first book and can identify with all of this.

  • @elah.2563
    @elah.2563 Před 3 měsíci

    THANKS! 🤗

  • @user-gk6si7kd3d
    @user-gk6si7kd3d Před měsícem

    I love this video thank you ☺️

  • @elenagandini387
    @elenagandini387 Před 3 měsíci

    Grazie, grazie mille!

  • @donna-elizabeth
    @donna-elizabeth Před 3 měsíci

    You describe mind so well! Very wise words 👏

  • @carlamariestudios
    @carlamariestudios Před 3 měsíci

    Dang. Your words of truth really resonated with me, like you were speaking directly to me and my "inner monkey". Thanks for the wakeup call.

  • @user-qt2hh3zq2i
    @user-qt2hh3zq2i Před 3 měsíci

    The desk chair and you are funny.

  • @hayleydoherty9557
    @hayleydoherty9557 Před 29 dny

    Lol I have just done what you said on a bunch of your videos lol. But I've learned so that's a plus 😂

  • @theresapalmer7892
    @theresapalmer7892 Před 3 měsíci

    Great fuel for relection, I think this reinforces my move toward minimalistic, and less consumerism that is allowing me the free time and energy to create. My retirement was not fulfilling until I made these moves to help me decide what I wanted to do next.

  • @nihilx1666
    @nihilx1666 Před 3 měsíci

    Oof, this hits close to home.
    I really need to study for my exams, I really want to draw and what I really do is... rearrange my colored pencils in a new holder I just bought on amazon.
    But I decided to send it back and cancel my prime subscription. Thank you!

  • @heikesiegl2640
    @heikesiegl2640 Před 3 měsíci

    I feel that so much🙈

  • @vineetavelveeta6337
    @vineetavelveeta6337 Před 3 měsíci

    Lost in the shrubbery. 😊 I’m stuck in a rut that only I can get myself out of. Going to do that now-not going to finish listening to this video…😊😊

  • @alphonzosolorzano5011
    @alphonzosolorzano5011 Před 3 měsíci

    Something to listen to once a week. thanks Danny

  • @valeriejohnson2367
    @valeriejohnson2367 Před 15 dny

    And here I am! Going thru your play list…..🤣

  • @atoosa.m
    @atoosa.m Před 3 měsíci +2

    thank you so much

  • @CamperGirl03
    @CamperGirl03 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you, Danny. Your topics are always helpful.

  • @henrymichal8522
    @henrymichal8522 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Can I be honest Danny? I am an absolute Procrastinator and Ditherer. In fact, all of the above

  • @Iwanttodrawachicken
    @Iwanttodrawachicken Před 3 měsíci

    Never thought I'd be grateful for chronic pain. Only an hour or two a day my hands work well enough to art, so I create. The rest of the day is okay to dither. Sometimes dithering is our brain processing in the background and preparing for tomorrow's art.
    Cheap chair fix - unused drain pipe, cut the right length. Cut lengthwise, put on the chair post, glue together with the right glue. Fix takes about half an hour and so far has lasted 10 plus years.

  • @martineblanchet-art3377
    @martineblanchet-art3377 Před 3 měsíci

    I like what you do !

  • @natashafranko4951
    @natashafranko4951 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you for your inspiring words 😊

  • @vegnan
    @vegnan Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you Danny, I needed to hear this.

  • @user-gt8oj1bc2z
    @user-gt8oj1bc2z Před 3 měsíci

    A good vid with good words!

  • @sqeekable
    @sqeekable Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you

  • @postcard9889
    @postcard9889 Před 3 měsíci

    I'm guilty. It all started with Whitney Houston's short "All at Once". After multiple replays, then I searched for Cissy, then Dionne Warwick, next, the children, the granddaughter, then back to Whitney, Bobby Christina... When my first intention this afternoon was to join SBSdraw with me drawing upside down :9 Thank you for the reminder, I need it.

  • @victoc85
    @victoc85 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you for this! I need to put my a** into gear and stop dithering. I always say I’ll do it tomorrow and then it doesn’t happen. That needs to stop ✋

  • @bheanacu
    @bheanacu Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you, Danny, I really needed this video right now...even though I found it by dithering!😄

  • @omarhopkins
    @omarhopkins Před 3 měsíci

    Truth.

  • @bebelribeirosilva
    @bebelribeirosilva Před 3 měsíci

    How can you do that? is it a superpower? You don't even know me but you know everything about me! 😂
    Recently I rediscovered the joy of drawing, and you are a big responsible for that😁
    Now, everytime I have bad days and feel disconnected from myself, I find myself again by drawing and making art. Thank you for everything!!❤

  • @michaelpeters8615
    @michaelpeters8615 Před 3 měsíci

    One of your very best videos!
    Thank you so much😅

  • @gabyfsy
    @gabyfsy Před 3 měsíci

    I love your channel. I recently found it, and immediately subscribed. I love the way you make everything seem easy and you inspired me to try to sketch and paint again, since I hadn't done since I was like 10. Thank you so much.

  • @lividmatter4862
    @lividmatter4862 Před 3 měsíci

    This was nice, comforting and true. Thank you sir :)

  • @margaretpetersen9275
    @margaretpetersen9275 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you Danny❤ this so blessed me today

  • @janisscilley43
    @janisscilley43 Před 3 měsíci

    You know me so well!

  • @susanshambrook8070
    @susanshambrook8070 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you Danny.

  • @cindyitovitch
    @cindyitovitch Před 3 měsíci

    I'm laughing at your video. Two days ago I put together my new art chair. Yesterday was spent reorganizing all my many many art supplies. I think that I will take your advice and today I will just put pencil to paper and create. Thanks Danny. This was something that I needed to hear.

  • @ShivaJalali1149
    @ShivaJalali1149 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you soooo much Danny😍🙏🏻

  • @rosamercemartin3337
    @rosamercemartin3337 Před 3 měsíci

    ❤❤ gracias

  • @audreysuter4315
    @audreysuter4315 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Try sitting on a Fit ball, soo many benefits, and bouncing is fun too😂

  • @bernadettesjones9142
    @bernadettesjones9142 Před 3 měsíci

    Yessss❤

  • @lisavarney
    @lisavarney Před 3 měsíci

    My chair does that too! 😢

  • @vaniavifu24
    @vaniavifu24 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you so much ❤

  • @mossshady847
    @mossshady847 Před 3 měsíci +7

    One person's procrastination is another person's warm up.
    I enjoy the dither. Don't fear the monkey.

  • @kimranson4775
    @kimranson4775 Před 3 měsíci

  • @kathleenmcneil3032
    @kathleenmcneil3032 Před 3 měsíci

    Good advice❤

  • @elkesommer4735
    @elkesommer4735 Před 3 měsíci

    I feel you😂

  • @JoAnneSmith-di8ok
    @JoAnneSmith-di8ok Před 3 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this. I haven't had procrastination problems for years. Is there a way we could have 48 hour days? I never have enough time to do all I want to do. I am retired so that is on my side. I just want to go back to a younger age for more time. Lol. I am 65 years old and am trying to make the most of my time.

  • @QuiltingCrow
    @QuiltingCrow Před 3 měsíci

    Being autistic, I can hyperfocus on things. Most times, people can't believe how much I can acccomplish by "just doing these things", like learning several languages, reading 200 books in a year and so on. For me, it's very interesting how others get disstracted. Thanks for sharing 😊

  • @sunnycharacter
    @sunnycharacter Před 3 měsíci

    You sir, are a fly on my wall! Love you anyway! Lol

  • @leannlearnsbooks
    @leannlearnsbooks Před 3 měsíci

    I had a chair that was doing that. 🤣