Working on Whims

Working on whims is basically the only way I get things done anymore. That's why this post is being created.
February was an extremely busy month. Every single Saturday I was getting up too early to do something for school. From choir to art contests and other events.
I was pretty productive over all, and have finalized a few decisions for my future, however, those will be announced later. But for now, whims!

Whims are random bursts of inspiration, motivation, energy, and/or your fire burning hotter than normal. And the best whims are a mix of all four. A lot of people's whims build up as deadlines approach. I seem to get them randomly.
Working on whims isn't an exact science, but the basic idea is this:

1. Go with it
You only have so much time to latch on before it drifts away again. Take that energy and run. If it strikes at 2 am, do something about it. A tired morning is worth your productivity (usually.)
2. Keep up your spirits
Whims disappear the moment you are negative towards them. You suddenly hate this drawing you were inspired to create? Boom. No reason to go on. Whim lost.
3. Find stamina
Whims require a lot of energy, but a boost in productivity will power the next step, and the next. It's physics--things in motion tend to stay in motion. You start with a burst, but now build off of what you created.
4. Appreciate the fleeting
Whims come and go. They toy with emotions, but you have to remember to like the pattern and their quickness. It's not scientifically proven, but a strike of inspiration feels like a rush of dopamine. Your mood improves, and that's what lingers, even if inspiration fades.

Pro-Tip: Start something on a whim, don't finish it
Whims are funny in the sense that you feel like whatever you do right then, right now, is perfect and can't be beat. It's a fantastic way to start a project, draft a story, outline a report. You power through quickly and don't look back. That is not the way to turn in your senior thesis. That needs edited and reread in a less adrenaline-pumped state of mind. Once your project is started, ride out your whim and revisit the piece another time. You'll be surprised at how much is complete, and be able to finalize any details.

It's easy to see when I'm on whims. I get dozens of pictures edited all at once, a whole article written, five scholarships complete in one night, art projects started, and my desk is usually clean. I love working on whims for my 'extra' things. Next time I'll post? Probably on a whim.