Mind The Gap

Most everybody has seen the sign or heard the phrase "Mind the Gap," it's used in the London underground to remind passengers to be careful of the gap between the platform and the train. Whenever I think of that phrase, I think of this short message from Ira Glass. His basic assertion is this: after time and exposure to a particular type of art you become more discerning, you develop great taste. Your ability to understand the complexity of the art is now helping you develop a mature sense of the art. Once that happens, you might find yourself with a desire to produce art. That's when the trouble starts. You produce something and now that you have discerning taste, you begin to recognize the immaturity of your own production! You begin to recognize the gap! 

This is super true for me and my writing. 

The best way to close the gap is to produce more work and force yourself to create more and more until you have narrowed the gap. I love this idea! I find it liberating. Instead of being defeated because my work isn't great, I take comfort in the fact that I understand it isn't great and with time and effort I can close the gap. 

Here are four things that have helped me have the courage to work on closing the gap:

1. I’ve let go of the idea that I need to make money to justify my writing. I wouldn’t expect to make money playing league softball or singing in the church choir. So why is writing different? There is value beyond money in doing something and working to improve at it. 

2. I work at it consistently. I set deadlines, have an accountability partner, and make myself produce a body of work. I give myself permission to write poorly but I do not allow myself to quit. 

3. I try hard not to compare myself, but to complete myself. Of course I constantly evaluate my work, evaluating it is what helped me develop greater appreciation for writing in the first place. When I’m inclined to compare myself to others I remind myself I am working to improve my writing and that alone will make me a richer, fuller person!

4. I am patient and persistent. I know I have to give it some time and space, but I don't give myself an out. I make myself produce work! I just don't beat myself up when I see the gap.

The older I get the more I admire those who produce things. My own appreciation for art is growing and with that comes a sense of inadequacy and fear as I am more keenly aware of the gap that exists in my own work. When I find myself tempted to quit, compare, or flame out, I say to myself "Mind the Gap."