When It Comes To Creativity, You Can't Rush The Process

Art has always been a part of my life, long before I worked in the creative industry. Creativity has been my driving force, and over the years, I’ve dabbled in various forms of art – whether it’s capturing scenic photographs in Europe through the lens of my camera, sewing and creating my own fashion line, or learning oil painting from a Chinese master painter.

To me, each medium has its own magic, a unique way of helping me better understand myself and the world around me. This was how I, inspired by my father’s love for calligraphy and Islamic art, decided to dive into an Islamic geometric patterns course. I was eager to master the art of creating the intricate patterns I had long admired in Islamic architecture.

Though I had heard that creating Islamic geometric patterns is a complex process, I have to admit that I thought it would be a breeze for someone like me, who had explored different mediums of art in the past. After all, I’ve spent years experimenting with oils and acrylics, capturing light and shadow, and even navigating different design software. How difficult could creating beautiful geometric patterns really be? I assumed that it would be a more relaxing, straight forward activity compared to the demanding art forms I had practiced before.

Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I didn’t expect was how Islamic geometric patterns, with all their mesmerizing intricate details and symmetry, would require more focus and patience than any form of art I have ever practiced. My dusty geometry kit, which had been buried in the back of my closet for years, suddenly became my most important tool.

As I sat through different classes and began creating my designs, I realized that the lessons weren’t just about drawing shapes. Most of my time was spent strategically planning each step with careful intention. I viewed my canvas as a planning map, outlining every move, and ensuring attention to even the smallest detail. I had to think ahead, considering how each geometric piece would fit into the larger whole. There was no room for mistakes; an off-center line could ruin the entire process, forcing me to start over.

With every lesson, I began to draw the parallels between creating these intricate patterns and pursuing our goals. Both require precision, foresight, and a clear vision of the bigger picture. Looking back now, I realize that the experience I had was more than just an artistic exploration; it reminded me of the importance of long-term planning.

When I first ventured into the creative industry, I was a young graduate eager – perhaps too eager – to see quick results. I often rushed to tick off milestones, and I kept moving forward, without always thinking of the long-term consequences of my decisions. As a result, I made some mistakes that could have been avoided had I just taken the time to strategically plan my steps and look at the blueprint of my life. I hadn’t yet truly appreciated the importance of strategy, or the fact that real success often comes from building something solid, piece by piece – just like in Islamic geometric patterns. It wasn’t until I took a step back, adjusted my mindset, and started thinking long-term that things began to fall into place.

In the fast-paced world of today, the urge to rush is always there. Even after years in the creative industry, I still feel that pull at times. After all, social media glorifies the hustle, and like many millennials, I too once felt the pressure to achieve major milestones before hitting 30. But over time, I have learned that true mastery comes from a slow, deliberate process. It’s about paying attention to the details, having a vision for the future, and understanding that every small decision you make today contributes to the bigger picture tomorrow.

This became clear throughout my Islamic geometric patterns course. In contrast to the constant pressure many of us feel from social media to hustle and achieve instantly, we were encouraged to slow down. Deadlines didn’t exist, and the idea of taking our time was not only accepted, but celebrated. As someone who was used to racing against my own self-imposed deadlines, it felt uncomfortable at first. I was in unfamiliar territory. But over time, I began to see the value in it.

What learning to create Islamic geometric patterns reminded me of is something I believe everyone needs to keep in mind: success isn’t about rushing to the finish line; it is about taking the time to build something that lasts, a legacy. And whether you are creating art or building a business, or simply pursuing your own personal goal, it’s the same principle. Like in Islamic art, there’s beauty in the methodical approach – in the small, thoughtful steps that create something truly meaningful over time.

So, for those of you working toward achieving your goals, remember that success rarely happens overnight. Like the intricate patterns of Islamic art, every decision you make plays a part in the bigger picture. Don’t rush the process, but rather embrace the journey, and trust that with focus, patience, and having foresight, the masterpiece you’re creating will be worth the wait.

About The Author

Manar Alhinai is an award-winning writer and an advisor in culture, creativity, and strategic communication.

This article first appeared in the January/February issue of Inc. Arabia magazine. To read the full issue online, click here.