An enigmatic figure named Dr Zoltan sent me an interesting list of thoughts about creative careers. With 81 points on the list, it was pretty impressive! (I'm not even sure I have that many thoughts about creativity... and I think about it all the time!)
So, out of sheer admiration for his tenacity and dedication, I read through it. And, I'm delighted to say, the points were pretty impressive for their insight too (and not just their number!)
My Personal favorite is #40:
Trust your own ability to consistently create new ideas in the future. Commit to yourself over your entire lifespan. Life expectancy is 80 years. Yet many people grow old and worn out at 30. Why? 1/3 of the way into life is a terrible time to stop being creative.
This really struck me because I think a lot of us do give up our ability to be creative as we grow older. Whether it's "just time to grow up", or we learn that crazy ideas are often met with skepticism, or because we just get too busy to think... we can easily get to a point where being creative is a struggle.
And, at least for me, when I feel like I can't create anymore, I feel older and worn out. (Not fun.) When I'm bubbling with ideas, I feel like I can do anything - whether that's creating the hottest new idea ever, or skipping through puddles in the rain. (Not that I, a grown-up, would ever skip...!)
So I definitely appreciate Dr Zoltan's list because it reminded me that growing old (and uncreative) is a choice.
Check out his list yourself! With 80 other insights, I bet you'll find one that inspires you!
I love insights! And hindsight too
Posted by: Quasar9 | August 17, 2008 at 07:56 AM
My recent inspiration re creativity is from an extraordinary man who sculpted his own tree garden - mostly at night under lights after a full day of work.
See the movie A Man Called Pearl.
He spoke at the film center after we saw the movie. I hope I am half as fit, upbeat and inspirational as him at age 65, Katie
And perchance I can meet you, face-to-face when I speak in Minneapolis for coffee, on Sept 15 at IABC?
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/info/summary.aspx?e=94fd8587-1708-4f46-9f8b-a8a0113ca6e0
Posted by: Kare Anderson | August 18, 2008 at 11:19 AM