Iterations

As tempting as it may be to play the role of perfectionist, it is ultimately comfortably unhelpful, and only uncomfortable once the negative impact of inaction later shows. I experience a level of fear and insecurity writing for an audience that would not exist if I wrote in a journal. I tend to edit more and be a bit more careful about the words and order of the words that I use. There is a perfectionist within that wants to present the perfect finished product on the first attempt.

Instead, I shall choose to iterate. In a book I’m currently reading titled the Personal MBA, Josh Kaufman writes, ““Iteration is a cycle - once you measure the results of the change and decide whether or not to keep it, you go back to the beginning to observe what’s happening, and the cycle repeats.” It is in this spirit that I wish to embrace the challenge of writing for (some kind of) audience: just write, then observe and adjust. Draft, like every English teacher, and every English teacher’s English teacher, has ever told you, but do it for real this time.

Later in same passage, Kaufman writes, “For best results, clearly define what you’re trying to accomplish with each iteration…The more clearly you can define what you’re after, the easier it’ll be to understand the Feedback…you’re receiving and the more value you’ll extract from each Iteration Cycle.” I would have some idea of how to apply the concept to piano practice, particularly in the context of self-recording. But for blogging? The question remains as to how to actively iterate and improve here.