"The Proven Path to Creating Unique and Meaningful Work: Embracing Consistency and Revision"

Glasp

Hatched by Glasp

Sep 03, 2023

3 min read

0

"The Proven Path to Creating Unique and Meaningful Work: Embracing Consistency and Revision"

In the world of creative work, there is often a desire to constantly move from one idea to the next, to explore new territories and constantly seek out the next big thing. However, a theory called The Helsinki Bus Station Theory challenges this notion and suggests that the key to success lies in staying on the bus and doing more re-work.

The theory, shared by photographer Arno Rafael Minkkinen, compares the creative process to a bus station in Helsinki. The buses that leave the station initially follow the same line, but soon they start to separate and head towards their own unique destinations. This separation is what makes all the difference in the work they produce.

Minkkinen's theory emphasizes the importance of staying committed to your chosen path and allowing your work to evolve over time. By staying on the bus, you give yourself the opportunity to explore different directions and find your own unique voice. It's through this process of separation and re-work that you start to see a difference in your work.

Consistency is a key element in this process. Mastery requires showing up consistently and putting in the work. Just as athletes put in their reps and constantly strive to improve their technique, creative individuals must actively critique each repetition of their work and constantly strive to revise and improve it.

However, many people fall into the trap of constantly seeking new ideas and jumping from one project to another without taking the time to revise their old ideas. They hope to find a route nobody has ridden before, but in doing so, they miss the opportunity to truly refine their work. Deliberate practice is not just about trying new things, but also about revisiting, rethinking, and revising what has already been done.

In today's digital age, where mobile devices have become the primary means of accessing news and information, there is a growing concern about how people engage with content on these devices. Research suggests that people read news differently on phones than they do on desktop computers. They may spend less time on websites and be less focused on the content.

This shift in attention and focus poses a challenge for creators who want their work to be noticed and appreciated. It's important to adapt to the changing habits of the audience and find ways to capture their attention on mobile devices. This may require rethinking the way content is presented and finding new ways to engage readers.

So, how do we navigate this landscape and create unique and meaningful work? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Embrace Consistency: Show up consistently and put in the work. Dedicate yourself to your chosen path and allow your work to evolve over time. Don't be afraid to revisit and revise your ideas. Mastery requires consistency, and it's through this process that you will start to see a difference in your work.
  • 2. Engage in Deliberate Practice: Actively critique each repetition of your work and constantly strive to improve it. Don't just focus on trying new things, but also take the time to revise and refine what you have already done. Deliberate practice is the key to mastery.
  • 3. Adapt to Changing Habits: In a world where mobile devices dominate, it's important to adapt to the changing habits of your audience. Find ways to capture their attention on mobile devices and present your work in a way that resonates with them. Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies and be willing to experiment and try new approaches.

In conclusion, the path to creating unique and meaningful work lies in embracing consistency and revision. By staying on the bus and committing to the hard work of reworking our ideas, we give ourselves the opportunity to separate from the pack and find our own unique voice. So, stay on the bus, embrace re-work, and watch as your work begins to make a difference.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)