“Enjoy the Process” -- What I Learned From an Urban Sketcher

Some of my creative outlets are photography, writing, researching, and ideation.  Sometimes, in photography, or when writing, I can be in too much of a hurry to reach the end result.  The same goes for technical work, projects etc.

All the while, forgetting to “enjoy the process”.

I was out photographing a barn a few weeks ago in the high country of Arizona with an “Urban Sketcher”.  I’ve photographed it several times over the years but had a different vision of the outcome for this trip.  She relayed that she often needs to coach herself to “enjoy the process” when she’s doing something that isn’t as much fun while sketching.  I think we also need to combine this with patience.

How often do we forget to “enjoy the process” at work?  Whether it’s project management, working through a difficult meeting or creating a presentation.  If you pause and remind yourself to “enjoy the process” (and I hope you do), you’ll achieve better results and go home with a smile.

The first photo (click on them for a larger version) at the beginning is the subject of the article as well as a work in progress, the b&w shows how is how patience is rewarded by just letting the sun set and enjoying the moment.

Chris Claborne