6 Daily Habits to Unlock the Puzzle of how to be Creative in Life
Explore practical insights inspired by "Big Magic," guiding you to embrace uniqueness, conquer fear, nurture ideas, and take consistent creative action. Begin your transformative journey now!
Creativity isn’t a distant galaxy reserved for the chosen few—it’s a tangible force within us, waiting to be unleashed. Elizabeth Gilbert’s "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" doesn’t just inspire; it provides a roadmap, a practical guide for anyone yearning to live a more creative life. As Gilbert wisely said, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all and then stands back to see if we can find them.” Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, breaking down the key insights from "Big Magic" into actionable steps grounded in practicality and real-life application.
Mike Parsons
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your Creative Fingerprint
Transitioning from mere inspiration to action begins with embracing your uniqueness. Your creative voice is distinctive, a fingerprint that sets you apart. In the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “Your creative voice may not always be loud, but it will always be wise.” Recognize this individuality not as a barrier, but as your greatest asset. The first step is transitioning from the thought that ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I am unique, and that is my power.’ Use your unique perspective as a stepping stone for your creative endeavors. Start a journal; jot down your quirks, passions, and experiences. Understanding who you are and what makes you unique is the foundation upon which you can build your creative expression.
Fear: Your Creative Co-Pilot
Fear, that nagging companion, often hinders our creative pursuits. However, in practical creativity, fear can be a driving force. Accept that fear is part of the process, a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. Use it as a motivator. As Gilbert advises, “Your fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome.”
‘Fear’ can be reframed as ‘excitement’. Feel the fear, acknowledge it, and then transform it into fuel for your creativity. Start small; every masterpiece begins with a single stroke. Whether it’s writing a paragraph, sketching a simple doodle, or composing a few notes, taking those initial steps, no matter how shaky, dispels fear and builds momentum.
Nurture Ideas: The Seeds of Creativity
Ideas are living entities waiting for a nurturing soul. In your pursuit of creativity, welcome these ideas with open arms. Carry a notebook; jot down every flicker of inspiration, every fleeting thought. Treat your ideas as guests; invite them in and let them linger. Regularly revisit your notes, expand upon them, and let the ideas intermingle and evolve. The practicality here lies in consistency. Set aside dedicated time each day, even if it’s just fifteen minutes, to revisit your ideas. It might be a story concept, a business idea, or an art project—whatever it is, give it the space and time it deserves. Remember Gilbert’s words, “A single impulse drives ideas: to be made manifest.”
Taking Action: Cultivating Creative Habits
Action is where the magic truly happens. Transitioning from inspiration to action requires discipline and routine. Cultivate creative habits by scheduling specific, non-negotiable times for your creative pursuits, whether the quiet dawn hours before the world wakes up or the tranquil moments before bedtime, carve out your creative sanctuary. Set achievable goals; don’t aim to finish a novel in a week, but commit to writing a page a day. Break down your creative ambitions into bite-sized tasks, making them less overwhelming and more manageable.
Fail, Learn, Evolve: Embracing the Creative Process
Failure is not a dead end but a bend in the road. In the practical realm of creativity, every setback is an opportunity to learn and evolve. Embrace the mistakes; they are stepping stones toward mastery. When you hit a roadblock, analyze what went wrong, learn from it, and adapt your approach. Practical creativity is not about perfection but persistence. Keep going, keep creating, and keep learning. If your painting doesn’t turn out as you envisioned, understand why. Was it the technique, the colors, or the composition? Analyze, learn, and apply. Every failure is a practical lesson guiding you toward your creative zenith.
Share Your Creativity: Inspire and Be Inspired
Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it flourishes when shared. Share your creations with the world, whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a business idea. Start small; share with friends and family, or join online communities. Embrace feedback, both positive and constructive. Feedback is a practical tool for growth. It provides insights, perspectives, and ideas you might not have considered.
Additionally, witnessing others’ creativity can be a wellspring of inspiration. Attend local art exhibitions, join writing workshops, or participate in online forums. Surround yourself with a community that nurtures and understands your creative journey. Remember Gilbert’s wisdom, “The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you.”
Mike ParsonsConclusion: Your Creative Odyssey Begins Now
Elizabeth Gilbert’s "Big Magic" is not just a book; it’s a practical guide, a beacon lighting the path to your creative potential. It’s not about waiting for inspiration to strike like lightning; it’s about actively engaging with your creativity, nurturing it, and allowing it to flourish.
Your creative journey, much like any practical endeavor, requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn. So, armed with the insights from "Big Magic," embrace your uniqueness, face your fears, nurture your ideas, take consistent action, learn from failures, and share your creativity with the world. Your creative odyssey begins now, and the world eagerly awaits the magic only you can bring.
Mike Parsons