No single right path

Making choices can be paralyzing, especially when you're pressured to make the right decision. The way that's worded, it sounds like there's only one. But really, how true is that? How many times have you made what seemed like a bad decision shortly after-the-fact, then later realized it became a lesson you had to learn anyway, or grew into something you later credited as working out for the best? Deep philosophy and moral relativism aside, we usually can't provide absolutes. Some things are more obvious than others — choosing happiness over depression by enacting smaller changes in your life that shape your overall worldview — but for the most part, I don't think there's a single right path.

This is especially true when you're being creative, making art. When I compose or even improvise, I look at all the possible paths. But playing every key on the piano results in unlistenable clutter. (Edge case: someone who's masochistic for experimental clanging.) So, out of all those, I shape a sonic sculpture, pick certain chords, and let the silence between the notes speak for themselves. What I didn't get to do this time around, I'll include in the next song. And so on.

Not doing something — inaction — is often worse than getting involved. Sure, there are times when you want to save your energy and not get into wasteful/artificial/useless conflicts, but I'm referring to moving forward in your life.

Don't hold off on making something creative just because you assume someone else can do it better (so why bother?). Well, how do you think they got there? So often, I see it isn't "raw talent", but iterative persistence which enables someone to become a better receptacle for success. It's a funny way of thinking, but it's the difference between banging your head repeatedly on the same door vs. crafting tools and looking for other ways to get into… wherever that door leads.

I know it's tough to use words when perspective changes how we value things. Can a mistake really be counted as one if you learn and improve? I believe there are such things as glaring errors, but that being accountable and adapting is understated. The vast majority of decisions won't make a big impact when considered alone, but combined into a tapestry of how you've molded yourself, it becomes clear who you are.

Tagged as: General