How do I know when a project is finished?
It’s not a property of the project.
If it was, I would keep working on it forever.
Instead, it’s a decision.
At some point I simply make up my mind to let go of it. To either put it out there or not – in any case to move on to something new.
Things that help me with deciding when a project is finished:
- Trusting my instincts: By relying on my intuition and experience, I can gauge when a project is complete.
- Cultivating a tolerance for imperfection: Accepting that a project will never be perfect and being willing to let go of it despite its imperfections.
- Setting clear goals and deadlines.
- Taking breaks and coming back with fresh ears.
- Recognizing the impact of overworking: Understanding the consequences and knowing when it’s time to step away.
- Understanding that no matter what I do, people’s perception of my music will differ greatly from my own.
Finishing is a skill that is honed over time and through practice.
Like many things in music, it’s not something that can be quickly learned by reading something like this.
You have to undertake a high volume of projects, follow through with them until the end, and experience the process of deciding when it’s time to move on.
If you always abandon projects too soon, you will never develop the skills and knowledge related to finishing them.
Remember, every finished project is an accomplishment.
Through these small wins, repeated constantly over time, you’ll gain confidence and momentum.
So keep creating, keep practicing and have the trust to let go when it’s time to move on.
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