Don't Let's Start

If you're feeling particularly down and out, you might believe it. You might accept the bottom-of-the-barrel line in the middle of this They Might Be Giants song,

"No one in the world ever gets what they want,

And that is beautiful,

Everybody dies frustrated and sad,

And that is beautiful."

On the hand, while things might not turn out how we dream or imagine, we don't have to die frustrated and sad. More to the point, our creative pursuits don't have to die off in bitterness and despair.

How?

Well, shake off the disappointment then ask yourself:

Q. What should I learn from that experience?

Q. What part of the project or process should I repeat? What worked?

Q. What part of the process or project didn't go so well? Why? Honestly. Why?

Q. What can I do differently next time?

Q. Who should I contact for more knowledge, networking, and nit-picking?

Q. How might I change my work habits? My investments?

Q. When should I dive back in? What do I need to do first to set myself up for success?

Don't, don't, don't let's start. Evaluate. This is the best part!