The Art of Finishing

Two heavy boxes arrived in this afternoon’s mail. My husband carried them inside. I screamed and ran over to them with scissors. These boxes held my version of art. They contained my author’s copies of my latest book, Speak From Within. Two of my books have been fiction. The first two non-fiction ones have explored our minds, bodies, and spirits. This one delves into how we connect with each other. It asks the question of how we engage and inspire others. By necessity, it addresses how we get in touch with and speak to our innermost selves. I’m honored to have written it.

My fifth Book?

I still can’t believe I’ve written and published my fifth book. Growing up, I had never thought of myself as a writer. I was a singer, a musician, an actress. But I was never a writer. And yet? I gravitated towards an English degree from the University of Michigan. Somehow, the universe knew better than I did. Five books later, I have to agree.

Like every writer ever, as I worked on this aspect of my art, I’ve sometimes felt like a fake. The icky darkness I’ve dubbed the Doubt Devil pays me visits too often. Most especially when I write, he sits on my shoulder and taunts me. I’ve had to fight him off many times in order to finish.

Today, when I held copies of my book, I gave the Doubt Devil a tip of the hat. “Thanks for challenging me,” I said. “Without you, I might never have finished it.” That’s the strange thing. Sometimes, those very taunts were the fuel that helped me keep going. I think you have to take any port in a storm. My ports while finishing this project were two-fold. First, I developed and stuck to a routine of writing every day. Second, every time the Doubt Devil reared up to taunt me, I stuck my tongue out at him. “I’ll show you,” I shouted at him.

And I did.

If I have any advice to give about finishing projects it’s this. First, know the focal point of what you want to create. Second, do something every day, even if it’s five minutes’ worth. Third, when the DD rears his ugly head, use his taunts against him. Raise your head in defiance and show him what you’re made of. I guarantee he’ll fold.

So, what do you want to create? A book? A song? A painting? Law degree? Pilot’s license? What do you hold close to your heart that you long to make happen? I’m sure it’s something amazing. Comment below and let me know.