Dreams Start With Patience #60

Reading time: 3 minutes

"A rule is a way of structuring awareness."
-Rick Rubin

This quote resonates with me recently in regard to creativity.

Ninety percent of the time, rules are seen as unnecessary constraints.

Yet, these very constraints have shown me a better way to focus and expand my creative freedom.

This week's newsletter: The Paradox of Rules in Creative Work

Recently, my creativity has peaked again.

The past two months have surged with creative ideas, workflows, and new projects I never thought possible.

This breakthrough comes from tapping into two modalities:

1. I surrender to the flow of creativity.

2. I create rigid outlines, timing, and structure for everything I do creatively.

#1 looks like the act of doing nothing.
I am actively expanding awareness on each creative project.
This is the power of spontaneous creation—the idea flows through me.
I don't "create it."
This is always my preferred method.

#2 is habitual—but only for certain things.
When I wake up in the morning, one thing is certain:
I want to create.
The rules I place involve time constraints, size constraints, and more.
Can the idea still breathe with all these constraints, or does it create something new and different?

With Rick Rubin's original quote, let's explore:

To structure one's awareness means recognizing that rules are not just limitations.

Rules build frameworks.

Frameworks sharpen perception.

Perception guides decision-making.

A rule allows you to climb higher by filtering distractions—which looks like


Distractions constantly vie for your attention, eating up your awareness.

It can be something as simple as asking, "What color should I use?"

Time is precious within a creative project because you can eventually spend too much
time staring at nothing.

By saying no, you focus on what matters.

The Role of Rules in Creativity

The freedom to create is something I hold dear.

Yet, every once in a while, I detach from all rules and lose my structure altogether.

I acknowledge that creativity thrives best in open spaces, but there are trade-offs.

Clear guidelines prevent overwhelm and disorganization.
Openness and a surrender mindset create pathways to great art by letting go.

Certain rules allow you to tap deeper into your source.

If you have blind faith in whatever you create, the imposed rules become a challenge.

Within that challenge, you get to choose:

Do I create with abundance here, or scarcity?

The mindset you build is everything.

Deeper insights often come from embracing both abundance and challenge.

I want to fuel my creative drive as much as possible—it's almost like feeding a hungry wolf.

The greater the challenge to produce, the more satiated the magical art wolf becomes.

To perform with creative rules, I align myself with my process,
which results in more consistency and enhanced productivity.

My Stress and Story

How can one find more joy in life?

I find the answer lies in refusing the need to work every waking moment.

Without boundaries, you become burnt out and stretched too thin.

All because you don't have a system to prevent it.

In My Own Creative Business

The trouble always came from my perception—I was desperate for cash and clients.

Instead of working on passion projects and growing,
I focused on client projects that lacked structure because the clients weren't paying top dollar.

The amount of money you're willing to work for affects your mental health—good or bad, it's up to you.

When you set specific rules for yourself and boundaries, everything changes.

You must be willing to walk away when your creative talents and needs are not met in a project.

Working for yourself in 2025 is easier—start a YouTube channel, continue making long-form and short-form content,
build distribution, create a product for an avatar, and build a sales page.

The rules you build for yourself define what matters most in your creativity.

Intentional rules are tools to progress your creative evolution.

Thanks for reading!

Your friend who sees illogical rules ruining your potential
-Zachariah

Another way I can help you when you are ready.

Coaching Call - 45 minutes (click here for more information)