That’s where they used to string up thieves who felt ‘fine’. — John Bridger
The main thrust of the opening scenes of 2003 version of The Italian Job is the danger of getting complacent, of losing the minor sense of unease that keeps us sharp. How many times have you driven to the grocery store, a good friend’s house, or along a bit of freeway and realized that you have no memory of how you got from one section to another?
When we first learn to drive a car, ride a bike, or diaper an infant, we put every bit of our attention into the task at hand. After the 150th time, we know the ropes and feel confident in our abilities. By the 500th time, our minds could be in the next region over because our hands and feet are doing what now comes naturally. What happened between exit 75 and the turnoff at exit 102 yesterday? Don’t ask me. I don’t have a clue.
How is your creative flow? Are you paying so much attention that you’re white knuckling the drive? Missing the fun because you are waiting at every moment for something to go wrong? Or are you on the opposite end, not paying any attention and not pushing yourself to get your best work?
Try to figure out your sweet spot for sustained concentration. What helps you stay in the moment? What pulls you away? Do you have any signals that it’s about to happen? Can you describe what being in and out of the flow feels like for you?
How about your character? What do they do without thinking about? What has them on the edge?