Dirty taps run clean eventually
When you first turn on a dirty tap, the water runs dirty for a while. Your early work is the same, and it only runs clean if you keep it flowing.
Kevin C. Whelan
This idea was shared by Julian Shapiro on Twitter and I had to share it with you.
One of the most rewarding things I do is help people create consistent content for the first time, whether that’s on their blog, email, or social media.
The metaphor is simple: When you first turn on a dirty tap, the water will flow dirty for a while. But if you keep it running for long enough, it will eventually run clean.
It works the same with almost anything you create. Your creative work and ideas will start out being not very good. Downright bad even.
But when you commit to the process, it’s only a matter of time before your work begins to flow pure.
Your bad ideas leave your system, your work becomes a little easier, and the output a bit stronger every time you publish. Eventually, you can produce great work.
But it only happens if you trust the process and stick with it long enough.
Related: If you haven’t read The Practice by Seth Godin, go out right now and buy it.