The Artist's Way

exercises in the book will help you dismantle the
hypercritical inner Censor and perfectionist. You will learn
that part of being fully creative means allowing for an “off”
day. Because the Artist’s Way focuses on process rather
than product, you will learn to value your “mistakes” as part
of your learning.
Q: Why do artists procrastinate, and what is procrastination
really about?
A: Artists procrastinate out of fear, or because they try to
wait for the “right mood” in order to work. The Artist’s Way
will teach you how to separate mood from productivity. It
will also teach you to value a self-loving enthusiasm over
mechanistic discipline.
Q: How can I expand my ability to derive new ideas?
A: Learn to miniaturize your critic, your Censor. While you
may not fire your critic entirely, you can learn to work
around the negative voice. When we use the morning pages
and the artist dates—specifically designed to put us in touch
with our nonlinear intuitive selves—we expand our ability to
derive new ideas. As we lessen the static, the interference
caused by old habits and blocks, and become clearer and
more able to listen, we become more receptive to creativity
and its sometimes subtle arrival in our consciousness.
Q: What is the most common misconception about
creativity?
A: The most common misconception is that we would have
to leave our current lives in order to pursue our dreams. It is
easier for us to use our jobs, families, financial situations,