Guide on Embracing Satisfaction with Your Unpolished Work
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Writing, hating the written work, and making it better are common aspects of the writing process. For many writers, finishing a first draft can be a significant accomplishment, but it often leads to feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction. This is because the initial draft often feels "messy," "sloppy," or unfinished, and rarely represents the polished vision they want to achieve.
However, it's important to remember that the first draft is just a starting point, not a final product. It's an "underdrawing" akin to rough sketching that will gradually be refined. To overcome this feeling, writers can adopt several strategies:
- Accept the first draft as a starting point: Understand that the first draft is an essential step in the creative process, and it will be refined and improved during the revision and rewriting phases.
- Focus on 'just writing': Emphasize telling the story rather than perfect prose. Worry about grammar, spelling, and structure during the revision phase.
- Use a mindset of 'micro-progress': Set small, manageable goals rather than expecting large leaps. This reduces overwhelm and helps build confidence during the revision and rewriting phases.
- Let the draft rest: Allow the draft to rest before revisiting it with fresh eyes. This allows for better detection of weaknesses and awkward parts.
- Read drafts aloud: Reading drafts aloud can help identify problems more clearly than silent reading.
Together, these strategies help writers move past dissatisfaction, recognizing that the first draft is only one stage in the creative process toward a stronger, more fulfilling final work. Embracing imperfection early permits growth and eventual satisfaction as the writing evolves.
After finishing a first draft, it's important to take time to celebrate and be proud of the accomplishment. Every story starts out flawed and will require revisions, but the best part of the writing process often comes after the initial draft. Finishing a first draft can lead to feelings of anticipation about what comes next.
Meg Dowell, a managing editor at College Lifestyles magazine, a guest contributor with Lifehack, and a guest blogger for Food & Nutrition Magazine, understands this process well. With eight NaNoWriMo wins under her belt and experience writing for Teen Ink and USA TODAY College, she knows the challenges and rewards of the writing process.
In conclusion, the act of finishing a first draft is an important milestone in the writing process. It's not always a joyful experience, but the sense of accomplishment after finishing can be rewarding. So, keep writing, keep revising, and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way.
Engage in education-and-self-development courses focused on personal-growth and lifestyle, as they can offer insightful techniques to manage feelings of dissatisfaction during the first draft writing process.][Dedicate time to nurturing personal-growth and understanding the importance of a messy first draft in the creative process, as it sets the foundation for the refining and polishing stages of work, leading to a fulfilling final product].
