We all know the importance of the ten commandments – the golden rule for how we’re supposed to live our lives. But what about a golden rule for our creativity? My friend and Blogger Andrew Zahn developed a less sanctimonious list than Moses, but it’s a list that can be adapted to our creative lives. Here’s the list with a little commentary:
- 1. Give space, time and energy to your creativity. // This is HARD! Our lives are busy, so it can be difficult to be intentional with creating space for us to be our creative best. But, space is important for ideas. Once we have identified an idea, we have to give it space to grow and breathe before we try to execute it. Our best ideas reach their potential when they have space and time around them. Finally, we manage energy. It’s on us. How much energy is attributed to our creativity and our craft ultimately is managed by us – the user and steward. We all have about the same amount of space and energy and we all have the same amount of time. We are going to put our space, time, and energy somewhere. Why not put it into something we value?
- 2. Creating is an act of worship. // For those of us who are Christians, we know creating is an act of worship to the ultimate Creator of the universe. However, Zahn takes a different angle, an angle that states that when we choose to not create we are actually being “self-centered and selfish.”
- 3. Your creativity is a gift given to you. // If we’ve been given a gift, we need to cherish, honor, and protect that gift. Even more importantly, we need to share our gifts with others. Give and it shall be given unto you.
- 4. Date your artist. // Our greatest ideas are going to be birthed out of our experiences. Great art is created when artists are able to connect with emotions that are deep inside themselves. We have to be willing to explore those places to uncover the truths about the artist we are becoming.
- 5. Don’t be an expert. // Experts know it all. Students are always learning. When we accept the fact that we can always learn more, each person, project, and experience becomes an opportunity to add more tools to our tool boxes. Don’t believe the hype. You are great, but you can be greater. We should talk less and listen more, but whatever we do, we should NEVER STOP LEARNING.
- 6. Jealousy is the death of creativity. // It’s been said that jealousy is where love and hate both live together. If we want to battle jealousy, we have to do it intentionally. When we champion others, we go on the offensive against jealousy. When we want the people around us to win – no matter the cost – it not only builds great teams, but it removes the temptation to be in competition with one another. Champion and celebrate others at every opportunity.
- 7. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. // EVER! And if you think about giving up, stop. Take a breath. Then, keep going.
- 8. You have what it takes. . . now. // God created you. He knew you would be uniquely YOU! If you’re honest with yourself, you probably don’t think you’re good enough for the challenge in front of you. Thats GOOD! If you felt you COULD handle it, that would mean you were able to take the credit for it. When you know you can’t handle it, you have to have an element of faith and trust. Those two ingredients are activators for our best creative endeavors. So, stop doubting. Start believing. Never stop working.
- 9. Authenticity breeds beauty. // Anyone can duplicate something that has been created. You, however, have walked a road no other artist has traveled. That road gives you the permission to create art that no other artist can create. Create out of that place, and you wont have to worry if you are duplicating.
- 10. Want what you already have. // Stop comparing. Stop creating excuses. Stop hesitating. Use what’s in front of you, control what you can control, and create something today that moves you and your organization forward!
Do you resonate with these commandments?
