“Make a repeating image by folding paper and cutting out the shape …”

I planned this creation quickly, and it shows. When I unfolded the cut paper, I shook my head. Of course, the middle instance of the word is a mirror image of what it should be. And I just didn’t see that coming.

I was so driven to produce the work, I did not take time to fully envision the impact of my actions.

This makes me wonder … how often do we take a short-sighted view, just because we want to be finished? How many unexpected (unwelcome) outcomes emerge because we fail to think things through to completion?

On the other hand, when we let creativity and momentum guide us in spontaneous ways, how many happy surprises emerge?

More important: How can a person develop the wisdom to achieve a balance between these two creative approaches?