Today’s blog starts with a quote that hits uncomfortably close to home:

"Limiting your options now will expand your opportunities in the long run because you can remain focused enough to master something. Keeping your options open now will reduce your opportunities in the long run because you divide your attention and end up doing an average job on seven different things. Are you falling into the pattern of always mastering one thing or always chasing the next thing?" James Clear Atomic Habits

Oof. That’s a lot to unpack, isn’t it? Especially for us creative types who see a new idea, shiny tool, or Pinterest board and immediately think, “I could totally do that!” ... I had a quick look and my Pinterest account has no less than 1,500 pins over 38 boards... I mean what the actual fuck? I wish I hadn't looked now, because I was totally convinced I was going to make all that. Anyway, moving on...

So, let’s talk about the push and pull between focus and distraction, between mastering one thing and chasing every new idea like a magpie in a glitterball shop.

The Creative Curse: Shiny Object Syndrome

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably dabbled in approximately 47 different hobbies. One minute, you’re deep into fused glass; the next, you’re convinced you’re destined for life as a sculptor, a potter, a painter or a polymer clay modelling superstar.

The problem? Chasing too many things at once means you’re spreading yourself thinner than erm...something that's really thing. Yes, it’s fun to experiment, but eventually, you realise you’re doing a decent job at a lot of things and not a great job at any of them.

Mastering One Thing: The Power of Focus

Here’s the truth: mastery takes time. It’s not sexy or glamorous. It’s repetitive, sometimes boring, and occasionally frustrating as hell. But when you stick with something—really stick with it—you create space for brilliance to happen.

Take fused glass, for example. I didn’t wake up one day knowing how to make bird baths or wall panels that didn’t look like a I'd chucked a load of glass in the kiln, crossed my fingers, kissed the kiln fairy charm and prayed intensely... (oh yes, I still do that). No, it took hours and hours (and many, many failures) to get here and I'm still failing (because that's where the magic happens (another blog post I think)). Focusing on one medium has allowed me to refine my skills, build a style, and—most importantly—find my creative voice.

And here’s the kicker: by limiting my options, I’ve actually expanded my opportunities. People now know me as that glass artist (or the crazy lady who melts gin bottles for fun), and that recognition wouldn’t exist if I’d been flitting between ten different crafts.

The Danger of "Keeping Your Options Open"

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying you should never try new things. Experimentation is part of the creative process. But there’s a fine line between exploration and distraction. If you’re constantly chasing the next big thing, you’ll never give yourself the chance to get truly good at anything.

Think of it like gardening. If you plant 100 seeds but only water them sporadically, you’re going to end up with a lot of sad, half-dead flowers. But if you focus on nurturing a few, they’ll grow into something extraordinary. (And no, I don’t garden. This analogy is purely theoretical. Plants, much like people, don’t survive in my house.)

Finding the Balance

So, how do you know if you’re falling into the pattern of mastering one thing or chasing the next shiny object? Ask yourself:

Is this a distraction or a genuine passion? Be honest. Are you diving into a new project because you’re bored, or because it truly speaks to you?

Have you given your current craft enough time? Mastery doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re abandoning something just as it’s getting hard, maybe it’s time to dig in, not walk away.

What’s your end goal? If you want to be known for something, focus. If you just want to have fun and don’t care about mastery, by all means, flit away! (But maybe don’t expect to make a career out of it.)

The Takeaway

At the end of the day, creativity is about balance. It’s okay to experiment, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Mastery takes focus, patience, and a willingness to put in the work—even when it’s tedious or frustrating.

So, my advice? Pick a lane (for now). Pour your energy into it, embrace the challenges, and trust that by narrowing your focus, you’re actually opening up a world of possibilities.

And hey, if you ever feel the urge to chase a new idea, remember: you can always come back to it later. After all, your craft isn’t going anywhere—except maybe into that next masterpiece you’re destined to create.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a kiln full of glass and a head full of ideas a Pinterest account that's going to take YEARS to get through.