CREATIVEMIX

Here’s a video and a book that have inspired me this week:

TEDTalk – How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question “Why?” His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers.

Ignore Everybody
I’m not sure what I can say that hasn’t already been said about MacLeod’s latest book Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity (mostly because it came out awhile ago and I just read it now). If you’ve read it I’d love to hear from you. I also really loved his other book which I did a short blog post on last year (I seem to be a year behind – lame eh?): http://creativemix.ca/how-to-be-creative/

First off, I have to say that this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to, or already does, make a living through idea making or has a creative pursuit of any kind. I’m serious.

Secondly, here’s a few highlights that really stood out to me:

• #2 – The idea doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours. As creative people we strive to birth something that is unique but we so often fall into the trap of trying to come up with something EPIC. Or, we think it’s epic and are disappointed when those around us aren’t blown away by our inspired idea. Don’t focus on the magnitude, focus on the authenticity of your ideas.
• #3 – Put the hours in. Yeah – it’s no secret, work hard at something you love and it ‘might’ pay off because what other choice do you have? Work hard, work harder, work till you drop so that when barriers pop up you’ll know that it’s not from a lack of trying. Don’t leave anything on the table, especially time.
• #8 – Keep your day job. No poop Sherlock. Oh wait, that’s a good point. If you put in major time on the side you’ll have a much better idea of what it would be like to turn your passion into your job. If the goal is to create then don’t add pressure on yourself to pay the bills with your creation unless you have to OR it’s built up in such a way that it’s viable. Maybe just don’t take your day job to seriously.
• #10 – Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity. I’m not really qualified to speak to this one (I’m in sole proprietor land) but I think we’re seeing a major shift in corporate culture: there are companies that foster creativity and those who have training manuals and productivity seminars. If you’re at a job that embraces individuality and personal workflow then count your luck stars. If you’re a leader in a company be sure to celebrate those hard working peeps with the opportunity to contribute to the company without suffocating them with unnecessary processes and conference calls.
• #28 – The best way to get approval is to not need it. Good ideas aren’t always liked by everyone. Be confident. Repeat after me: “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog-on-it I don’t care if people like my idea”.

Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity is a really quick read but don’t let that fool you – it’s packed with groovy moments that will give you a lifetime of ass kickin’.

Posted by: Corwin Hiebert