The Practice

1. Trust Yourself and Embrace the Creative Process

We don't ship the work because we're creative. We're creative because we ship the work.

Creativity is a choice. It's not about waiting for inspiration or relying on talent, but about consistently showing up and doing the work. The practice of creativity involves embracing the process of creation, regardless of the outcome. This means focusing on the journey rather than fixating on the result.

Overcoming fear is crucial. Many people avoid creative work due to fear of failure or criticism. However, the most successful creators understand that failure is an essential part of the process. They learn to trust themselves and their abilities, knowing that each attempt, successful or not, contributes to their growth and development.

• Key elements of the creative practice:
  • Consistency in showing up
  • Embracing failure as a learning opportunity
  • Focusing on the process, not just the outcome
  • Trusting your unique voice and perspective

2. Generosity is the Core of Creativity

Art is the human act of doing something that might not work and causing change to happen.

Create for others, not just yourself. True creativity is about making a positive change in the world. It's not enough to create something that pleases only you; the goal should be to produce work that resonates with and benefits others. This approach shifts the focus from self-centered creation to generous, outward-focused art.

Empathy drives impact. Understanding your audience and their needs is crucial for creating work that truly matters. By putting yourself in your audience's shoes, you can better tailor your creative efforts to make a meaningful difference in their lives. This doesn't mean pandering or compromising your vision, but rather finding the intersection between your unique perspective and what your audience values.

• Ways to practice generosity in creativity:
  • Seek to solve problems for others
  • Share your knowledge and skills freely
  • Create work that uplifts or enlightens your audience
  • Collaborate with others to amplify your impact

3. Become a Professional by Committing to Your Practice

The practice demands that we approach our process with commitment. It acknowledges that creativity is not an event, it's simply what we do, whether or not we're in the mood.

Professionalism is about consistency. Being a professional creator means showing up regularly, regardless of how you feel or whether inspiration strikes. It's about developing a practice that becomes an integral part of your life, not just something you do when the mood strikes.

Commitment breeds excellence. By committing to your practice, you give yourself the opportunity to improve consistently. This commitment allows you to push through difficult periods, refine your skills, and develop a body of work that truly represents your capabilities. It's through this sustained effort that you can transition from an amateur to a professional creator.

• Elements of a professional creative practice:
  • Regular, scheduled creative sessions
  • Willingness to work through uninspired periods
  • Continuous learning and skill development
  • Setting and working towards long-term goals

4. Intentional Action Drives Meaningful Change

We can adopt a practice. Here are the surprising truths that have been hidden by our desire for those perfect outcomes, the ones industrial recipes promise but never quite deliver.

Clarity of purpose is essential. Intentional action means being clear about who you're trying to reach and what change you're trying to create. This clarity helps guide your creative decisions and ensures that your work is focused and impactful.

Embrace constraints and limitations. Rather than viewing constraints as obstacles, see them as opportunities for creativity. Limitations can spark innovative solutions and push you to think outside the box. By working within defined parameters, you can often produce more focused and impactful work.

• Key aspects of intentional action:
  • Clearly defining your audience and goals
  • Making deliberate choices in your creative process
  • Embracing constraints as creative catalysts
  • Regularly evaluating and adjusting your approach

5. There's No Such Thing as Writer's Block

Writer's block is a myth. Writer's block is a choice.

Reframe creative challenges. What we often call "writer's block" or creative blockages are actually choices we make. By reframing these moments as opportunities rather than obstacles, we can push through and continue creating. Remember, the act of creation itself often leads to inspiration, not the other way around.

Develop strategies to keep moving. Instead of waiting for perfect ideas or ideal conditions, focus on developing strategies that keep you creating consistently. This might involve setting small, achievable goals, working on multiple projects simultaneously, or using prompts and exercises to spark ideas.

• Techniques to overcome creative blocks:
  • Free writing or sketching without judgment
  • Changing your environment or routine
  • Collaborating with others for fresh perspectives
  • Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks

6. Make Assertions to Move Forward

An assertion is a promise. A promise that you'll try. A promise that you'll ship. And a promise that if you fail, you'll let us know why.

Boldly state your intentions. Making assertions is about declaring what you intend to do or create, even if you're not entirely sure how you'll accomplish it. This act of stating your intentions can create momentum and commitment to your creative goals.

Embrace the learning process. Assertions aren't guarantees of success; they're commitments to trying and learning. By making assertions, you give yourself permission to experiment, fail, and grow. Each attempt, successful or not, provides valuable insights that can inform your future creative endeavors.

• Benefits of making assertions:
  • Creates accountability for your creative goals
  • Helps clarify your intentions and focus
  • Encourages taking action rather than overthinking
  • Builds confidence in your creative abilities over time

7. Earn Your Skills Through Deliberate Practice

If you're using any sort of self-control (there's that "self" word again), then you're not being authentic. Only a tantrum is authentic. Everything else we do with intention.

Authenticity comes from intentional practice. True authenticity in creative work isn't about raw, unfiltered expression, but rather about developing a consistent voice through deliberate practice. This involves honing your skills, refining your approach, and continuously pushing yourself to improve.

Focus on skill development, not talent. Success in creative fields is more about developed skills than innate talent. By focusing on deliberate practice and continuous improvement, you can develop the skills necessary to create impactful work, regardless of your starting point.

• Key elements of deliberate practice:
  • Setting specific, challenging goals
  • Seeking feedback and incorporating it into your work
  • Focusing on areas of weakness or discomfort
  • Regularly reflecting on your progress and adjusting your approach

8. Find Your Superpower and Commit to Excellence

To be the best in the world means that someone with options and information will choose you. Because your version of "best" matches what they seek, and because you're in their consideration set (their world).

Identify and cultivate your unique strengths. Everyone has the potential to develop a "superpower" – a unique combination of skills, perspective, and approach that sets them apart. Focus on identifying and honing your particular strengths rather than trying to be good at everything.

Commit fully to your chosen path. Once you've identified your superpower, commit to developing it fully. This might mean neglecting other areas or skills, but this focused approach allows you to truly excel in your chosen field. Remember, it's better to be exceptional in one area than mediocre in many.

• Steps to develop your creative superpower:
  • Analyze your past successes and natural inclinations
  • Seek feedback from trusted peers and mentors
  • Experiment with different approaches and mediums
  • Invest time and resources in developing your chosen skill

Last updated: July 28, 2024