I often joke that I’m a way better editor than writer. Part of the reason for this frequent joke is my insecurity with writing. However, a bigger part is that this is true for me. I can build on other people’s ideas. I think by talking – by adding to what is out there. I am an improv believer with the “yes, and” ideas/thoughts.
Recently, I’m realizing that there is also truth to what the power of fresh eyes does for someone editing versus creating. I didn’t have thoughts running through my head, ideas that I had to figure out how to put together. I get to experience what works, what is not clear, etc through fresh eyes when I’m in edit mode. I understand what I highlight is not rocket science but without creation bias, I’m able to spot the changes needed.
I’m even realizing that I try to trick myself into edit mode when I need to create materials. I do this by extreme brain dumping of content with a total disregard to order, visuals, and connections. Once I have content, I can start to put a story together and often it’s very different than the original material. Even better, wait a few days after this initial creation before returning to edit. The amount I spot dramatically increases!
These days, there is very little material that I don’t request a fresh set of eyes to edit. Yes, because I don’t want to look dumb but more because my materials are better with the insight my eyes can no longer provide.
Do you leverage fresh eyes to achieve better results?
John Cleese has a great video on creativity and how time spent noodling and playing with ideas, like you mention here, can help create the most creative, interesting, and high quality outcomes. warning: It’s a tad long and adult content. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qby0ed4aVpo