The Joy of Creating: Why the Process Matters as Much as the Product

Tara C. Allred
Sep 6
2 min read

Over the years, my writer friends and I have noticed something important: it doesn’t always matter if we’re working on a specific book project or not—what matters is having a regular space for creativity.

It isn’t so much what we create, but the act of creating that brings life to the soul.

Making space, carving out time, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive network—these are the ingredients for a truly happy, creative life.

And sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to create simply for the joy of it.

Too often, we get trapped in the destination: the finished product, the “success,” the polished version of our art. But if we focus only on the end result, we risk missing the joy and healing that happens in the journey. It isn’t always about finishing the book, painting the canvas, or releasing the song. Sometimes, it’s about showing up to the page — or the studio, or the easel — because creating is what our souls need.

Here are five gentle reminders to help us hold onto the value of the process:

1. Redefine Success

Instead of asking, Did I finish something? ask, Did I show up to create today? Creativity doesn’t always need to produce a tangible result. Sometimes the real success is simply keeping the creative spark alive.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Play

Not every project has to be “worthwhile.” Some pieces are for practice, some are for exploration, and some are just for fun. Playfulness invites discovery and joy.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins

Notice those little breakthroughs: the sentence that finally clicks, the brushstroke that surprises you, the moment you lose track of time. These are signs the process is doing its quiet, transformative work.

4. Protect Your Creative Space

Give yourself a dedicated place or time to create—and protect it. Treat it like you would any other important appointment, because showing up for your creativity is showing up for yourself.

5. Find Community

Creativity flourishes in connection. Share your process with others, not just your finished product. A supportive network can help you stay inspired and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.

At its heart, creativity isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the journey, the process, the act of doing. When we make space for creativity in our lives, we’re not just making art. We’re making room for our souls to breathe.

So give yourself permission. Create simply for the joy of creating. That’s where the magic lives.

Now go and enjoy!

Speaking of creation, this post was shaped with a little help from our well-known 21st-century writing buddy, AI (ChatGPT). But the ideas and heart? Still 100% human.