So I recently came across this TED Talk from Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the book Eat, Pray, Love on creative genius. And it really brought in a new perspective on creativity for me.
What’s a TED Talk?
It stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Basically, they’re these presentations or talks where people share interesting and often unique perspectives and ideas. They are really quite something.
If you haven’t seen Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk on creativity, check it out on YouTube. It’s called “Your Elusive Creative Genius.” It might just give you a new take on your creative work.
With that said, here are 7 key lessons I learned from her TED Talk on elusive creative genius:
Creative genius is elusive… and that’s OK.
In the talk, Elizabeth goes into detail about how creative genius can be something more external. It comes and goes. And sometimes it stays with us for a short time before leaving to find another artist to share its “magic” with.
We, as artists and creatives, don’t (or can’t) control when it shows up. Sometimes we might brush up against it and in one day go from achieving our greatest creative work, to potentially being just… normal.
And that’s ok.
We just have to be comfortable with the fact that we’re not always at our best when we create. Or that our work may or may never be earth-shattering.
The Creative process doesn’t have to be dark and grueling, just go easy on yourself.
Sometimes when we’re in the middle of creating something, the work can seem daunting. It might feel like there’s no end in sight. We might feel like we have to drag ourselves to our desk just to get any work done. It doesn’t have to be like this.
Try going easy on yourself and let your work speak for itself.
There will be times when the work will be grueling, but the process and heavy anxiety around it don’t have to be.
Try as we might, creating may even feel like climbing a mountain. That is a normal part of living a creative life, but that doesn’t mean the process has to be filled with anxiety or feelings of regret. Go easy on yourself.
Just show up to your part of the job even if the creative “genius” won’t.
The talk itself had moments that were pretty “trippy”. She talked about how people in ancient Greece and ancient Rome believed a creative “genius” to be some kind of divine being that lived in the walls and graced the artist with their divinity in order to create a piece of art or performance that was transcendent.
While I won’t go into religion or spirituality here, it was an interesting perspective to consider (especially for those that find it hard to get started on their creative journey). Regardless, remember to show up for your part of the job. You are a creative after all.
So create.
Distance yourself from the results of your work.
It’s important to put some space between you and your work. You might end up making the world’s next artistic masterpiece or write the next mega bestseller on Amazon.
Or you might end up creating something that no one ever looks at or reads. Either way, for your creative well-being, put distance between you and the results.
During the talk, Elizabeth mentioned the amount of pressure that is placed today on artists, writers, and other creatives and how it can lead them to some seriously dark places. Putting some distance between you and your creative work and whatever that work results in can be critical to your mental well-being.
Don’t be afraid. Don’t be daunted.
There will be moments when you just don’t feel like doing the work. You might get really psyched out about your work. For whatever reason, you would rather be somewhere else. Stand your ground and don’t be afraid. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.
Just breathe. And just do your job. Whatever that looks like.
Continue to show up for your part, whatever that might be.
“If your job is to dance, do your dance.” So you showed up for your part. Great. Now KEEP showing up.
It doesn’t matter what type of creative you are. Whatever you consider your creative “job” to be. Whether it’s photography, writing, painting, dancing, or whatever, just remember to not only show up but continue to do so.
Continue to do your part and the rest will take care of itself.
Whatever happens, be proud of yourself just for showing up.
Regardless of whatever your creative life throws your way, be proud of yourself for having the passion, stubbornness, courage, or love to keep showing up.
Jeff Aybar is a writer, Sci-Fi/Fantasy nerd, INFJ, veteran, and all-around creative. You can get a free copy of his guide for writers and other creatives on starting the creative journey by signing up to his newsletter HERE.