Universal Theory of Creativity
I came across an interesting equation today referred to as the Universal Theory of Creativity: # of Quality Ideas = Stimuli รท Fear
Two things kill creativity.
The first is lack of stimuli. That is brought on my mental atrophy. If we lose that "holy curiosity" we were born with we'll stop thinking creative thoughts. Creative people draw inspire from everyone and everything. They pay attention to the stimuli around them. And they intentionally expose themselves to different disciplines.
Here's an idea. Subscribe to magazines that "have nothing to do with what you're doing". You need to get outside your mental box. I get science and business and design magazines because they are creativity catalysts for messages and marketing. They help me think new thoughts.
The second thing that kills creativity is fear--fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, fear of rejection.
Creativity involves doing something different and that always produces a measure of fear. Don't let fear squeeze you into someone else's mold. Here is one of my definitions of faith: the willingness to look foolish. Don't be afraid to be different.
Creativity and normality are at odds with each other!
Normality is overrated.
Two things kill creativity.
The first is lack of stimuli. That is brought on my mental atrophy. If we lose that "holy curiosity" we were born with we'll stop thinking creative thoughts. Creative people draw inspire from everyone and everything. They pay attention to the stimuli around them. And they intentionally expose themselves to different disciplines.
Here's an idea. Subscribe to magazines that "have nothing to do with what you're doing". You need to get outside your mental box. I get science and business and design magazines because they are creativity catalysts for messages and marketing. They help me think new thoughts.
The second thing that kills creativity is fear--fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, fear of rejection.
Creativity involves doing something different and that always produces a measure of fear. Don't let fear squeeze you into someone else's mold. Here is one of my definitions of faith: the willingness to look foolish. Don't be afraid to be different.
Creativity and normality are at odds with each other!
Normality is overrated.
5 Comments:
Mark,
Thanks for the reminder - I suffer from the fear of failure and the fear of looking foolish (though I do both all the time).
I'm not the most creative person, but God has placed within me a renewed passion to take the church to the people.
You blog and church challenge me to see things differently - especially people.
Thanks again for the reminder.
Mike
Hey Mark--what are some specific magazines that you subscribe to that seem to spark new ideas for you...
...and...
What are some things you do to put yourself in creative environments?
Might be a good post!
Perry,
A couple thoughts:
1) Read like a maniac. I stragegically plan series and order books from Amazon :)
2) Go to conferences. Like Buzz for example :) I think it's a great way of getting out of my box.
3) Podcasts. I subscribe to Mosaic, Fellowship, and Lifechurch. Great stuff.
4) Always have your antenna up. There are illustrations everywhere :) I hardly do anything or go anywhere without finding some truth application for it.
5) Try new stuff.
6) Do crazy stuff.
7) Be a kid.
8) Subscribe to business magazines like Fast Company, tech magazines like Wired, and Design magazines like How or Communication Arts.
9) Fuel your creativity by following your curiosities.
10)I'm out of ideas :)
Mark
I would add setting aside a creative date for yourself maybe once a week or once a month. Sometimes creativity has to be sparked intentionally. Perhaps check out a museum exhibit or listen to a concert or do something out of the ordinary and spontaneous to spur on the creative juices.
One thing that I will say about Pastor Mark is that he catches everything. He might notice something on sunday and make a comment about it on wednesday...that's not something that surprises me anymore. He could see the label of an energy drink that really sticks out...it might be a magazine article that has really good articles or concepts. Sometimes he just sits there in our "big idea" meetings and types away on his laptop (his mind goes off on little tangents as the rest of the staff brainstorms).
Pastor Mark's mind never stops and he is always trying to be a few steps ahead in the program. That's my encouragement to you all...don't stop and keep pushing forward. See you at Buzz Conference!!!!
My two cents. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home