When a work of art is finished
don't keep fiddling with it.
It will be ruined! (1)

When your idea is complete
don't keep refining it.
Its clarity will become obscured! (2)

Don't force your inspiration.
That is asking for trouble!

When you are successful
don't think of yourself as great
or you will be afraid to keep working!
When you have done what is yours to do
don't stand there admiring yourself.
Go on!
This is the way of harmony.

(1) The important thing is not what the author, or any artist, had in mind to begin with but what point he decided to stop.

(2) “For, in art, everything is best said once and in the simplest way.”