There are at least three types of different creative work.

Generation is preliminary work with the purpose of thinking and making breakthroughs. Writing to think is one application of this. Clearing the wastewater is another application.

Practice is carefully refining a skill, whether that’s technical or conceptual. This mainly involves discipline, correction, and constant development. 

Performance is the culmination of practice, on display. This involves a presentation or a final product.

It’s important to keep each of these creative routines separate, to know which one you’re executing.

Keep your expectations modest for your generation work, stay disciplined in your practice, and set high standards for your performance.

See also the four inner beings of a writer.