perfectly blank

"The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist."
Steven Pressfield The War of Art

During the process of creation there are many things to overcome just to begin the process. Let alone the process itself. There is fear of how to start or if I should even start at all. Is my voice relevant, important, or necessary. There is a fear of the blank canvas. What will the first mark be. It will set the tone for the entire piece. I could be doomed from the start.
While painting I have developed the process of staining the canvas as a first step. When creating a digital file it is as simple as opening Photoshop. That first step that breaks the barrier of that precious blankness. Why is it so treasured? The fear of the great white abyss of open space. There seems to be so much potential and possibility. It takes discipline to take that first step, knowing full well that the start may not survive the process. And that is okay. Take a step. Make a mark. Write a word.
I heard once that most fears only need fifteen seconds of bravery to overcome. Dialing that number of a pretty lady and waiting for a "hello". Putting a job application in the mail. Walking on to stage to perform. The fear and nerves may not go away, but I have found it often wanes after an initial struggle. I like to think that nervousness is just anxious adrenaline. It is just waiting to be put to good use. To get moving. To make something beautiful.