22 Comments
User's avatar
Neural Foundry's avatar

Brilliant reframing on the whole "not pursuing ideas that have stopped working" thing. That prudeence to recognize when an idea has flatlined takes way more skill than people give credit for. I've definetly wasted months on projects that were clearly not going anywhere just cuz I felt I'd "invested too much," but dunno, sunk cost is real and letting go actually freed up mental space for stuff that actually worked. The imaginary audience trap is sneaky too btw.

Kavitha's avatar

Omg, this is kind of the main point of my essay according to me, even though different people might have different takeaways. I am ridiculously happy you noticed this one. Sunk cost is my nemesis. That "freed up mental space" ...... my husband looks at me with a confused expression when I go on about it. :)) Apparently it doesn't affect some of us as much.

Sandy S's avatar

Lovely that you have had a nice holiday break Kavitha. I remember how that has been a challenge in recent years. Forever wishing we had time for family or something new in our lives is not likely to get us there. We need to 'make time' for such things. And discover the reward for doing that! Which it sounds like you have done. Your classes all sound like winners!!! And love the sneak peaks on those knits!!! See you in 2026!! :-)

Kavitha's avatar

Thank you Sandy! That's clearly it. "Making time" seems like the hardest thing but also the most rewarding, like you said. Thank you for all the good wishes. Wishing you and yours a happy, joyful 2026.

mermcoelho's avatar

This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing it.

Kavitha's avatar

So glad it resonated with you.

Kiersten Figurski's avatar

As always, love your thoughts!

Kavitha's avatar

Aw, what a kind thing to say. Thank you.

Julie Wilson's avatar

Love this thank you.

Kavitha's avatar

So glad it resonated with you!

Justin Faist's avatar

I'm excited to see that you'll be teaching at the TKGA conference. It looks like there are many great sessions to choose from!

Kavitha's avatar

Thank you so much! This will be my second year with them. The class selection is usually great and I try to attend some that interest me too. 🙂

Debora A Van Iderstine's avatar

This article was my introduction to your substack, and it spoke to me. I particularly appreciate your nuanced view of social media. Although I began to knit in the early sixties, I think I've learned more new techniques in the past 15 years or so than in the preceding decades, almost entirely thanks to the Internet. Other things came through books made known to me via various forms of social media. Thank you for offering one more positive experience.

Kavitha's avatar

I am so glad it resonates with you. And thank you for sharing about the learning that happens through internet and SM. That encourages me to keep using these tools thoughtfully and not give up. 🤗❤️

Janice Weiser's avatar

ooohh... a kerchief! Can't wait to see the pattern!

Kavitha's avatar

Thank you!! It is what I am calling a "mini-collection" of two kerchief patterns - one is a garter with decorative border and one an all-over lace. Hope it appeals to a variety of moods and skill sets. :)

Peggy R.'s avatar

I love the Not-To-Do list! I will incorporate this into 2026 for myself. It feels very liberating!

Kavitha's avatar

Aww, thank you so much. So glad to hear it resonated with you like that.

Mama Ruth's avatar

I am finding I am comparing myself with so many other content creators, and wondering what unique things I can offer. It seems to be keeping me from just doing it! I like your list! Helpful to stay focused on the creating, instead of the "people pleasing"... maybe, there is something special I have to offer, but the world will never know it if I don't just get it done!

Happy and more prosperous New Year to use both! 😃😍

Kavitha's avatar

This is a real struggle for anyone who is creative. Like you rightly said, we ourselves wouldn't know our strengths unless we stick to something and see it through. Thank you for that lovely reframe. Wishing you a happy, prosperous 2026 with loads of crafting and writing.

Alexa Kaskowitz's avatar

Love this spin on New Year’s resolutions!

Kavitha's avatar

Thank you Alexa! I am not good at following through my todo's, even though I am good at writing them. So I think this will help. :)))