Creativity: The Discipline of Magic
I say creativity is more about discipline than magic.
But that doesn't mean there's no magic involved.
In fact, I say there is a lot of magic involved with the making of great things.
My worldview calls for providence or sovereignty. Others may believe in simple fortuitousness or just plain dumb luck. Either way, there will be times when something happens. The loose threads connect. The chords find their rhythm. The melody falls into place. The accidental brush stroke ends up being the stroke of genius you needed.
There are times when the ideas flow, and the words seep onto the page like spilled ink; fully formed, perfect syntax, gorgeous prose. The story "plots itself". You get the perfect shot. The light hits your subject through the mist and dust particles in the air - and it's perfect.
That happens. More than we know.
But it will never (literally never) happen if you don't write the words, play the chords, paint the canvas, or take the shot.
Discipline breeds magic.
I promise.
Try it, if you don't believe me.
But you can't just try for a day or a week - and then when the magic doesn't happen, say, "See! I told you so!"
If your thing's not worth doing every day for a year, you might consider: