Make The Damn Thing
At this time of year, blogs are typically buzzing with Thanksgiving and Christmas movie recommendations, breakdowns of upcoming releases, and predictions for Oscar nominations. But instead of joining that chorus, I want to shift gears.
It’s the end of the year. Think back to the list of goals you made in January. For some, that list is proudly checked off and on display like a badge of honor. If that’s you, congratulations! But for others, that list is probably gathering dust in a drawer, abandoned under the weight of excuses or life’s daily grind. If you fall into the latter group, I want to address something directly:
Stop saying, “It’s November. I’ll start next year.” Start now. Next year is still next year. Start today, because tomorrow is still tomorrow. Especially if there’s something you want to create. I urge you: make the damn thing.
Don’t tell yourself there’s not enough money. Everyone’s financial situation is different, but let me let you in on a secret: there’s never enough money. Even people with massive budgets hit roadblocks. If you can’t create something with what you have now, chances are, having more won’t magically change that. In fact, constraints can often lead to more creative solutions. Those solutions let your unique voice shine through—and your voice is the most important, priceless thing you have. It’s what makes your work unmistakably yours.
Still: The Pursuit of Happyness
Credit: Columbia
Still: Good Will Hunting
Credit: Miramax
Don’t say there’s not enough time. There are 24 hours in a day, and yes, most of us are spread thin. Work is demanding, weekends are full of chores, and life feels like a never-ending to-do list. But somewhere in that busy day, there’s time for you. Finding it will require sacrifice. Maybe you get up earlier or stay up later. Maybe you use your lunch break for your project. Maybe you skip an episode of a show you can binge later.
If you can’t carve out 20 minutes a day for yourself, it’s time to reevaluate. Twenty minutes a day adds up to over 121 hours a year. If you can’t find those 20 minutes, ask yourself: what are you doing all this for? If you let 20 minutes stand between you and your dream, you’ll struggle to make time for anything else.
Don’t let the naysayers have a voice. I despise critics—not collaborators, not constructive feedback from people who believe in you, but lazy critics. These are the people who sit back and judge while never daring to create anything themselves. Their opinions aren’t worth the breath it takes to hear them.
Be selective about whose voices you let in. Work with the door closed, edit with the door open, and guard your space. If someone doesn’t understand your vision, that’s fine—but don’t let them talk you out of it. Surround yourself with those who support you, even if they don’t fully get what you’re doing
Still: Erin Brockovich
Credit: Universal Pictures
Still: Whiplash
Credit: Sony Pictures Classics
Don’t let your own vision get in the way. It’s not going to turn out exactly as you imagine. Accept that from the start, and you’ll free yourself from so much unnecessary pressure.
There’s the version in your head, the version you make, and the version you share with the world. They’re never identical. And that’s okay. Perfection is a poison that paralyzes progress. Someone, somewhere, gave The Godfather a one-star review. That’s about as close to cinematic perfection as you can get, and even it isn’t universally loved.
The goal isn’t to make something everyone likes. It’s to make something you’re proud of. And you can’t get there if you don’t finish.
Whether it’s a movie, a book, a painting, or a business—whatever it is you want to create, make the thing. All the fear, doubt, and noise disappear on the other side of completion.
So stop waiting. Start today. Make the damn thing.
For The Love Of Movies,
Jonathan Austin
