Seems like not a day goes by that I don’t see someone on social media talking about how they had been hesitant to pursue a creative idea. And it’s usually due to the feeling that they were somehow “unworthy” of creativity.
I get it … and at the same time, I don’t.
After all, we all started out as these magnificent little creative creatures called children, with a box of crayons (or just a box) that we used to build magical kingdoms and pursue exotic adventures.
But then something weird happens along the way to adulthood. The “creatives” became special people with magnificent beards, brooding thoughts, and sturdy artisanal tools crafted by the indigenous people of somewhere far away.
Somehow, “art” became something that regular people simply don’t do. Which is ridiculous, of course.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not a barrier. Fortunately, it’s all in your head.
It’s up to you to make your thing
It’s true that we celebrate artists, musicians, and now even entrepreneurs as special, which falsely leads us to believe that they’re wildly different people. This brings to mind a couple of my favorite blurbs about the false sanctity of creativity.
First up, Steve Jobs. He’s not the finest example of how one should treat fellow human beings, but certainly a highly creative person:
Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is — everything around you that you call life, was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.
Next up, the man I consider to be my mentor, Seth Godin (who happens to be a fine example of how one should treat fellow human beings):
Art is an original gift, a connection that changes the recipient, a human ability to make a difference. Art isn’t a painting or even a poem, it’s something that any of us can do. If you interact with others, you have the platform to create something new — something that changes everything. I call that art.
It’s not that we shouldn’t treat art as special (we should). But perhaps the only thing that’s truly special about people who create art is that they didn’t waste time worrying about whether they were worthy.
What exactly is your thing, anyway?
It should go without saying that the act of creation is something we’re all capable of. The more important thing is that it’s also an obligation to yourself (and the world) to create the things that matter to you.
I wouldn’t dare call my writing art, but what matters is that I treat it like it is. Regardless of the subject matter, I can control the flow, the cadence, and even the way the words present on the page. All those little details matter to me.
And yet, when I read this issue of Further again in a week or so, I’ll find it flawed in several obvious ways. I may even feel that way about it right now, but I’m on deadline. 🙂
Art is an act of expression that you feel matters — something that needs to be out there for the benefit of others. And regardless of what the world thinks about your art, you’ll likely never be completely satisfied with your creation.
That’s when you know you’ve found your thing.
