The 100 Things Project

Finding focus and flourishing as a multi-passionate creative

Creativity is rarely a linear process; it’s a complex and unpredictable journey that can take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Some days, inspiration pours in like a deluge, and on others, it feels like a desert, barren and dry.

For multi-passionate creatives, this journey is even more intricate. With countless interests and ideas swirling around, it can be difficult to decide where to focus your energy. How often have you found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of inspiration, only to feel blocked when it’s time to start creating?

This is where "The 100 Things Project" steps in—a concept designed to help you find clarity, harness your diverse passions, and cultivate sustained creative growth.

What is "The 100 Things Project"?

At its core, "The 100 Things Project" is a personal challenge. But, it’s more than that. The concept is straightforward: commit to creating, collecting, or documenting 100 things that align with a specific approach, theme, style, tool, or idea within your chosen creative practice.

There’s an ongoing debate in the creative world: What’s more important, quantity or quality? Should we devote our time to perfecting our craft, or is there value in producing as much as possible to fuel our growth?

For multi-passionate creatives, "The 100 Things Project" offers a different perspective. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about finding focus. By selecting a single theme or integrating your various passions into a cohesive project where you aim to complete 100 related things, you can channel your energy into exploring multiple facets of your creativity while maintaining a clear direction.

How do you focus your ideas and inspiration?

How Does It Work?

The "100 Things Project" can take on different forms depending on the creative. The idea is simple: whenever you decide to start a new hobby, pursue a fresh idea, or buy a new gadget, you commit to creating 100 things with it before moving on to something else.

Does this mean you can only focus on one project at a time until you complete 100 things?

The simple answer: No. You can start as many different "100 Things Projects" as you like. However, remember that you’re committing to producing 100 outputs for each project you begin, so consider this carefully before diving in.

This concept was born from my realisation that I would never kick the habit of collecting hobbies. Instead of resisting it, I decided to embrace it—with one condition: if I’m going to start something new (or revisit an old love), I need to have something to show for it.

This commitment has two key benefits:

1. It prevents us from quitting a hobby prematurely. It’s easy to start something and then abandon it out of boredom or frustration when we don’t master it right away. But how can we improve if we don’t stick with it long enough?

2. It provides a tangible body of work related to a specific tool, gadget, idea, or concept. This way, regardless of how long the interest lasts, we'll have a collection of outputs to enjoy and reflect on.

The best part is that "The 100 Things Project" isn’t tied to a daily routine. You can complete 10 things in one day if you’re inspired, potentially finishing the project in as little as 10 days. These don’t have to be completed in consecutive days, either. You might create one thing every few weeks and finish the project in a year or two—that’s perfectly fine as well.

The essential point is to commit to creating 100 things.

By doing so, you set a natural boundary that helps you stay focused, even as you explore diverse interests. This structure provides a sense of direction, often missing in the life of a multi-passionate creative. So, you can consider each “100 Things Project” as a season of your creative life.

As you work within this framework, you’ll find that your understanding and exploration of your passions deepen. This approach encourages you to engage with your interests in a more meaningful way, leading to a richer and more fulfilling creative experience.

By the end of each project, you’ll have a cohesive body of work that reflects your creative journey.

Top 10 Tips for Starting Your Own "100 Things Project"

Are you ready to dive in and get your creativity flowing with your own "100 Things Project"? Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose a Theme That Excites You: Begin with a theme, idea, or tool that genuinely sparks your interest. Whether it’s a specific medium like instant photography or a broader concept like nature, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. This will keep you motivated throughout the project.

2. Start Small and Be Specific: If committing to 100 things feels overwhelming, start with something small and specific. For example, instead of "100 Paintings," try "100 Floral Watercolors" or "100 Tea Cup Sketches." This focus can make the project more manageable by eliminating decision fatigue (e.g., “What do I paint about?”).

3. Set Clear Intentions: Define what you want to achieve with your project. Are you aiming to improve a particular skill, explore a new medium, or document your creative journey? Clear intentions will guide your process and help you stay on track.

4. Plan Your Timeline: Although the project doesn’t require daily output, a loose timeline can be helpful. Decide whether you want to complete the project in a few weeks, months, or a year, and plan accordingly. While flexibility is key, a general timeline can keep you motivated.

5. Document Your Progress: Keep a record of your work—whether through a journal, blog, or social media. Documenting your progress not only helps you stay accountable but also allows you to reflect on your creative journey and see how much you’ve grown.

6. Embrace Imperfection: Remember, the "100 Things Project" is about exploration and growth, not perfection. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Every piece you create, even the ones you’re not entirely satisfied with, contributes to your overall development.

7. Celebrate Milestones: Break down the project into smaller milestones, such as every 25th piece. Celebrate these achievements to maintain motivation and acknowledge the progress you’ve made.

8. Be Open to Evolution: As you progress, your project might evolve in unexpected ways. Embrace this evolution, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach or theme if it feels right. The goal is to stay engaged and inspired.

9. Stay Consistent, but Flexible: Consistency is important, but so is flexibility. Life happens, and it’s okay to take a break or adjust your pace. What matters is that you keep coming back to your project until it’s completed.

10. Share Your Journey: Consider sharing your project with others—through a blog, social media, or a creative community. Sharing your journey can provide encouragement, inspire others, and create a sense of connection with fellow creatives. If you start a "100 Things Project" of your own, tag it with #100ThingsProject on Threads or other social platforms so I can cheer you on.

    

What Will Your “100 Things Project” Be"?

Starting a new hobby or interest with "The 100 Things Project" perspective is both exciting and liberating. It’s more than just a creative challenge—it’s a tool for finding focus as a multi-passionate creative.

By channelling your ideas and inspiration in a way that is both focused and fulfilling, you can truly flourish in your creative pursuits.

If you haven’t started your own “100 Things Project” yet, why not take the plunge? And when you do, I’d love to hear about the project you choose to work on!