😩 The slog

Book of TREE 3.77

From four years ago:

For six months I have been illustrating and designing a book for a client. After I write this, I will finish the final illustration.

It’s been a good, well-paying gig. Editing, illustration and design are what I love to do. The subject matter is useful; It’s a workbook for deaf kids in therapy.

It is privilege and joy to have work like this!

Also, it’s a slog. After a day’s work and family time and running and writing TREE, I work.

The pubs have been open in Wales for 7.5 weeks. I have not had a freshly pulled pint yet. I have not caught up with friends that I last saw in early 2020. I have not started work on two projects I am very excited about. I miss my wife.

I’m not writing this to whinge. I know how lucky I am. I get to do work I love. I am writing this to state the bloody obvious:

Worthwhile work is hard.

It’s hard, and you have to do it when you’re not in the mood to work hard. You have to do it when you have no inspiration. You have to do it when all you feel is the friction. You have to do it when the only way to describe it is a slog. Because the alternative is not doing it. The alternative is growing your list of Things I Wish I Had Done.

—Jeff

Sometimes even the things we want to do can feel like a slog. The best thing to do in those moments is to take a quick break, reset, change your mindset. Your outcome will change with it.

Grow slowly
Skyler