When you get better at what you do, you’re also becoming more critical of it. You analyze what’s not working, or what doesn’t feel right, and you improve it.

It’s a happy working arrangement until the critical aspect of you gets too much influence. It knows it’s important because its taste is keeping you in business and also improving your craft. 

But there’s one really important thing that it can’t do on its own: actually make something.

Jack Cheng has come up with his own solutions to distract his inner critic, including, “Ritualistic adherence to routine. Constant reminders that this, this thing I’m typing right now, is just a shitty rough draft, it’s supposed to bad, it’s more like an extended brainstorming session. And lately: Absurdly high daily word-count targets….. A part of a well-rounded writing education.”

Another good reason to do what I’m doing here every day. And a good reason for you to find something for yourself too.