Have you ever felt stuck, unable to create or pursue your passion? You're not alone. But creativity is not a talent reserved for the chosen few. It's a result of the desire to find a new truth, solve an old problem, or serve someone. Here are some insights and strategies to help you create, practice, and share your art.
Trust the Process
Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions. Trusting the process means that you focus on the practice alone - on the rhythm, posture, and magic of the physics of it. The catch is the side effect of the practice itself. If you condition yourself to work without flow, it’s more likely to arrive. Only after we do the difficult work does it become our calling. Only after we trust the process does it become our passion.
Seek Identity, not Calling
The strategy of "seeking your calling" gives you a marvelous place to hide. Instead, focus on developing the habit of identity. In a window of ten to thirteen years old, all the kids who decided to become musicians developed the habit of identity. When they looked in the mirror, they saw themselves as musicians, artists, and people who committed to a journey.
Focus on Action
You can't always control how you feel, but you can always control your actions. Your work is too important to be left to how you feel today. The more you practice, the more you'll realize that the easiest way to go through life is to let life go through you. Give in to the prevailing winds and go along to get along. This requires very little effort because you're not working with intent - at least not your own intent. You're getting by. If your no becomes a habit, a way to hide out, you may end up cutting ties with the very people you set out to serve. And if your no becomes too seductive, you can get comfortable there instead, never actually shipping your work, because shipping your work means that you'll need to reenter the world with a yes.
Solve Problems
Problems have solutions. That's what makes them problems. A problem without a solution isn't a problem; it's simply a situation. Problems are usually solved by surprising, non-trivial alternatives. If an obvious solution from an obvious source could have provided an answer, it would have happened already. Don't be afraid to offer your unique solution. The word "peculiar" simply means specific.
Embrace Uncertainty
The more important the project we take on, the more difficult it is to find certainty that our work will succeed before we begin. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Nostalgia for a future that hasn't happened yet is a modern affliction. Embrace the uncertainty and take the leap.
Value Your Skills
Talent is something we're born with - it's in our DNA, a magical alignment of gifts. But skill? Skill is earned. It's learned and practiced and hard-won. It's insulting to call a professional talented. She's skilled. Skill is rarer than talent. Skill is earned. The market pushes creators to give away their work. Too often, we come to believe that giving it away, removing money from the interaction, is the most generous thing we can do. But that's not the case. Money supports our commitment to the practice. Money permits us to turn professional, to focus our energy and our time on the work, creating more impact and more connection, not less. Money is how our society signifies enrollment. The person who has...
Give Back
Finally, remember that you can make a difference in the world when you seek to make a difference. Giving back to your community, whether it's through volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being kind to others, can have a huge impact on those around you.
If you've been fortunate enough to achieve success, remember to give back to those who supported you along the way. This can include your friends, family, mentors, and colleagues. Take the time to thank them and show your appreciation for their support.
You can also give back by sharing your knowledge and expertise with others. Offer to mentor someone who is just starting out in your field or share your insights and experiences through writing or speaking.
Conclusion
Creativity is not a magical quality that some people are born with while others are not. It is the result of a desire to find a new truth, solve an old problem, or serve someone. By focusing on the process and committing to a daily practice, anyone can develop their creative abilities and produce work that is truly original and impactful.
Remember to embrace failure as a natural part of the creative process, and to keep showing up every day, even when you don't feel like it. Seek out inspiration and new experiences, and surround yourself with people who support and challenge you. And finally, give back to your community and share your knowledge and skills with others. With these principles in mind, you can unlock your full creative potential and make a meaningful difference in the world.
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