Art is a Joyous War

There are so many distractions, things to do and time consuming tasks that just stop the work flow. You are writing an article but the phone rings, your girlfriend is asking if you want to go for a coffee… Of course you want, but you have that article to finish. You already know that you are done.
You never finish that article, it adds up to the drafts folder in your writing software. Damn it, it was a great article, but…
Quite recently I read “The War of Art” and even though it didn’t brought me any new insights or any practical advice it reinforced the idea that creating art is a mastery process and as such is your obligation to work as much, if not more, on your craft than most people work in regular jobs.
Most people can’t write more than 2 or 3 hours a day, even professional award winning writers. But when you are struggling with projects, money or delivery dates you will be able to write for 10 hours. Take as many necessary breaks as you need, but you will write and your fingers will hurt but something will come out and you will do your job.
This week has been incredibly non-productive and I know the reason for it. Every time I schedule a trip, — traveling is a major part of my life -, there are so many papers to print, forms to complete, dates to check, last minute shopping and for some reason everybody invites me to hang out.
I’ve been delaying the completion of a short ebook for weeks. I am struggling to find inspiration to write a series of articles to be published on a course. I feel it difficult to focus when I receive a phone call from the Embassy that I can’t dial down.
I used to approach my work as an hobby: I write 2 hours per day while the rest of the day is to be enjoyed. Now I don’t do that anymore, that is not the path that I want for myself because I take a greater pleasure in creating art than in any other thing.
Art is beauty, but art must be approached with intense delight and work ethic.