Episode 80: Process Over Product
Peter and Robyne revisit Peter’s recent songwriting retreat to discuss the power of process over product, especially when working in a creative context. What might we unlock when we honour the bravery and exploration required by creativity — and how that can help us to see creative work through to the finish line? Plus, how to find a supportive community when embarking on a new journey.
Today’s surprise question:
What existing song do you wish you had written?
Listen
Show Notes
We cover many topics in this episode, including:
- Peter discusses facilitating his first songwriting retreat, something he’s been dreaming of doing for a long time
- There’s a belief that effort always equals outcome, and that’s not always the case
- The best creative environment is one where the focus is process, not final product - if you have a final product in mind too early, it makes it difficult to see the diverging nuances that might allow the work to progress in an unexpected and more interesting direction
- Being brave enough to participate in the creative process should be honoured as much as the final product itself - in essence, that’s all we can ask of ourselves in our lives
- We can sometimes give up on something before we even start because we think it’s too hard, or that we’re never going to get good at it, but other people have done this before, so why not you?
- Don’t feel intimidated to start a new interest - you’ll find people who are good at that thing often love to embrace and help people who are new to it
- People who regularly compare their success to others and just want to be ‘normal’ are sometimes unaware of the reality of what normal is currently - so many people with mental health issues, people in unhappy relationships, people in jobs they don’t love
All we can ask of ourselves in our lives is to fall in love with the process. – Peter
Additional Resources:
- Your Time - Peter and Robyne’s asynchronous learning experience is now available! Please click the link to learn more.
- Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
- What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong (written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss)
Credits:
Hosted by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe and Peter Katz
Produced by Trevor Campbell
Edited by Sean Ban Beaton
Theme song by Peter Katz
Podcast cover art by Trevor Campbell
Show logistics by Erin Marshall and Jenna Green
Connect:
Connect with Peter Peterkatz.com | Peterkatzspeaks.com
Connect with Robyne Drrobyne.ca
Follow Peter and Robyne on social media:
Peter Katz: Facebook: @peterkatzmusic | Instagram: @peterkatzmusic
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe: Instagram: @dr_robynehd | Twitter: @dr_robynehd
*The information presented in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional if you require assistance.
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