Learn. Then learn some more. Then keep learning…
“What classes can I take to do that?”
It’s a common question and honestly a really good one – but not really practical when it comes to creativity. Creativity is about instincts and experiences more than it is about lessons and lectures.
The New York Times ran a story a few weeks ago about Bret Turner – a freshman at Hamilton College. Bret thought it would be beneficial to his education to ask every teacher one question: “Why is X (your field of specialty) important?” Needless to say, Bret made some waves with this line of questioning. During his term at Hamilton, Bret asked 200 of 223 professors this question. When asked why, the answer was simple: “I have shallow interests.” It actually was a brilliant way to learn a little about a lot.
Recent research supports data that indicates the most creative people in the world are people who know a little about a lot. Psychologists have coined the term “T-Shaped Thinkers” to describe this type of creative learner. The concept is shallow knowledge on a variety of things and depth in one specific area. In order to maximize our full creative potential, we need to be able to speak into generalizations not just a specialized area.
It’s vital that we Learn. Then learn some more. Then keep learning…
Make sure you’re investing in you. Read. Write. Develop. Fight to keep learning so you can keep developing as a creative and a creative leader.
This was definitely something I wrestled with in the last year and a half! I felt like I was called to ministry as a Comm. Director and my passion for it was at an all time high! I had my normal 8-5 job and would do all my learning and growing at night and weekends. I also took on the role at my church as the volunteer comm. director since they can’t afford to pay a full-time staff person to handle it. I applied and applied and applied for all the comm. director roles in churches across the country with no luck, so I gave up as it must not be what God wants for me. Now, as of Monday, August 19th I will be starting my Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications and see where that leads me. Whether it be the church or something else. As of now, I have given up on a full-time, paid church job, but if God leads me that way….than it’s a yes for me.
But Twitter and who you follow is a great start to learning, hence why I follow you! 😉
Colin (@ColinH80)
I think especially in creative fields it’s important to be a life long learner. Not only for techniques and tips but sometimes the most random subject might spark ideas or be a bridge to new concepts. I don’t think many students realize that. There’s a sense to hurry up and graduate to get the career on track with little thought of how to continue learning and growing.