The Seven Last Steps to Creative Expression

Posted on Sep 26, 2012

Almost There, But Not Quite

Wouldn’t you like to hand your project over to someone else right now? Don’t quit. The finish line is almost in sight. Just seven steps away.

The Finish Line Looms

Harvest is the final station in The Wheel of Creativity. It is the point in the creative process where you cut the wheat from the stalk, put the song up on iTunes, upload your eBook to Amazon, and put your work out for people to take it and use it.

Harvest, like every other station in the Wheel, is a process. And it may well drag on a bit longer than you’d like. The task of the Harvest Station is release. And when you come out the other side, its reward is satisfaction. Aaah!

You’re Not the Only One

I’m spending a lot of time in the Harvest station right now, as I am getting my book ready to release this November. Not only am I going through Harvest, we all do. My clients in every field of endeavor are working on how to release their product into the world. We must all harvest our work, if we want to see it complete its creative cycle and make a difference in the world community. If we want to be compensated for our work, we have to go all the way through the Wheel and come out of it here. The task is both practical and personal.

When I’m working with clients in the Harvest station, I share with them the things I’ve learned from my own experience.

The Seven Last Steps to Creative Expression:

Remember the Hunger. You’re a long way from where you started when you left Home with your longing. Notice the thread of meaning that connects you now to your vision then. How does your work nourish you and the world?

Recognize this time for what it is. This station is the culmination of a major investment of your time, energy and perhaps money. You’re on the home stretch. It’s hard work. Just do it.

Get help. No farmer expects to bring in a harvest by himself. The fruit is ripe on the vine. Time is of the essence. Bring in the expertise you need to get the job done.

Take responsibility and take charge. This is your vision. As much as you might like to hand this job off to someone else, you’re the only one who can complete the cycle. Get organized, find the resources you need and put them to work for you.

Sustain yourself. It’s been a long road. It’s natural to be tired at the end. Balance all your focused effort with total replenishment. You may have only five minutes to nourish yourself in a day, or an hour in a week. Make it count.

Plan the feast. The second part of the word harvest is fest. Not only is there work to do. At the end of that work, there is a celebration. Don’t stop working yet, but keep your eyes on the prize.

Retell the story. When all is said and done, take time to appreciate how far you’ve come. Bear witness to the golden thread that led you through the creative cycle. Be grateful for the way Life is using you to enrich the world.