How To Be Creative // apparently I’m going to have to read it again

One of my frustrations in life is that I love creativity, I’m always trying to be creative, and yet I don’t feel like I’m really that good at it. So, I try to read anything and watch anything or do anything I can that will spur on the thought processes and expand my brain outside of the little box that I have carefully shoved it into. I think I’m trying too hard.

Recently, and I have no idea how, I downloaded a book called How to Be Creative by Hugh McLeod. Its filled with great content, and you can access it here. One of the ideas that McLeod shares is that “good ideas alter the power balance in relationships [and] that is why good ideas are always initially resisted.” A fear that suddenly your idea might propel you while in same moment make another person/boss/coworker/friend appear less important is created and then survival mode kicks in and said person will turn on your big, creative idea. My initial reaction was, “I’ve been there, dropped a great idea in a moment of excitement only to have it quashed.” Of course, I also had a wake up call after I said that and realized, “Wait a second, I’ve also been the guy who thought, ‘oh no, this persons great ideas just keep coming and it may mean I’m going to lose my job if this person looks smarter/better/more creative than me.”

I know this happens. I know it happens to plenty of people reading this. What’s your reaction in those moments? How do you respond in positive ways to encourage your idea and your audience?

Last quote (though I’m sure you’ll see more posts from this book), “Good ideas come with a heavy burden. Which is why so few people have them. So few people can handle them.”