Sometimes I feel that calling myself “creative” is a big, fat lie.
Maybe I don’t have much to say. I feel like a copy cat most of the time. I’m not as creative as that guy.
I probably should just quit calling myself that and lower everyone’s expectations, right?
Or I shouldn’t.
If you create, there is a voice that constantly reverberates through your head. A voice telling you to settle down. A voice pleading with you to play it safe.
“Don’t make a fool of yourself. Don’t let everyone down.”
Most of the time I choose to listen. Maybe you do too.
Yea, it’s time to stop.
I’ve noticed there are 3 lies that keep rearing their ugly heads. I share them with you so that you can learn to ignore them too:
1. You’re Not Creative
If you’re believing this lie, today’s your day to doubt it. Think about it. You’re probably comparing yourself to someone else – someone else who is better than you. Someone whose creative ideas amaze you.
Maybe it’s the musical creativity of Radiohead or the preaching brilliance of Matt Chandler or the entrepreneurial giant that is Tim Ferriss.
These guys weren’t always brilliant. They had a starting place. Yet they worked. And worked. And worked.
Don’t come to the conclusion that you’re not creative unless you’ve spent a lifetime learning, creating, and shipping. If you’re in your old age and have nothing to show for it, than we’ll talk. Until then, release your creative brilliance.
2. You Have Nothing To Offer
This lie questions your very motivations. It says your cause isn’t big enough. It’s not ending world hunger; therefore, it’s irrelevant. You should leave this stuff to the experts.
The truth is, there’s a niche for everything. You may think your cause doesn’t meet a need, but there are people who need what you create.
Saying you have nothing to offer is an excuse for inactivity. How do you really know that? Every great idea begins with fear. Will this really work? Do people really need this? You never know until you try.
3. It’s Not Ready
Actually, that may not be a lie. Your work might not be ready. But when is it really ready? There’s comes a time when you have to get what you’ve made in people’s hands. It’s usually less a matter of being ready and more of a matter of delaying.
I’d rather be the guy that constantly shipped work and failed often than the guy who simply coddled his ideas in the confines of his own world.
That’s bad stewardship. You’ve been given a gift; therefore, you have a responsibility. It’s a travesty to hold onto your ideas for too long. Get it done and get it out.
Maybe it fails. Good. You have simply prepared yourself to do better next time.
Question: What are some other creative lies you’ve found yourself believing? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
For further reading, Check out Stephen Brewster’s post on creative leadership. It’s pure gold.
I struggle with this too. Especially as a former worship leader turned pastor. Our culture doesn’t associate public speaking and speech writing as an art form and creativity. There is mo cutting edge visual art or sound that goes with it. I lived in that world so I struggle with those thoughts too.
Do you view your public speaking as a creative art form?
Yes
I do now. I didn’t at first though.
They may think I’m weird. Which actually boils down to fear and resistance. I think once you can accept the fact that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, the creativity will flow.
And, according to Seth Godin’s new book (which I haven’t read yet), we’re all weird. I actually think weird is a great strategy for standing out.
I think every single author I’ve ever appreciated has been shot down by “professional” publishers, editors, or other authors. Creativity is subjective to personal preference and taste, and just because someone tells you…that’s worthless…does not mean it is. It may mean the world to someone else. The best thing I’ve ever done for myself creatively is to develop a thick skin, and not take criticisms to heart.
Brilliant! Some of the best advice i’ve heard (as well) is not to take the praise of man or the rejection of man too seriously. It’s so fickle. Great point, Stephanie.
It doesn’t matter.
No one listens/reads.
No one really cares.
What’s the point?
oohh, yes. have you punched those lies in the face today, Arny?
no…i’m more of a Karate Chopper! lol…
You are the Karate Kid
What about the lie that creativity shouldn’t be a priority? That it’s not really necessary as long as the important things are covered?
Good one, Jenna! I think we believe that creativity doesn’t need to be a priority because it happens naturally, when in reality, we need to schedule it.
Great topic & you tackled it well…very precise with you questions and responses! Seems I am constantly hit with “you are alone in this” and “you will never amount to anything or do anything of significance.” Those were the lies I was reminded of in my formative years growing up. And, they continue to echo through the canyon of my soul as my wife and I along with a community of folks around us attempt to pioneer a different way of ‘redemptive community’.
One thing I’ve learned however, is that those lies we hear…they indicate something. They indicate our design, what we are here for. Otherwise, those lies would not really mean anything. The source of those lies, that’s not really us–it comes from another source who feels the weight of our creativity and trembles at what is seen and felt as we step further into our glory–our God-given design. The lasting result of our willingness to advance regardless of what we hear or experience is simply–LIFE & FREEDOM!
Beautiful, Greg. The enemy trembles when the people of God rise up in their creativity. Love it!
Lie – “there’s no place for you”
Truth – “yes there is”
Thanks Rob, great word…reminds me of why I like this song so much in defeating this lie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUdvHrjvN8E&feature=related
So simple and so true
beautiful
Thanks Jeff
I never used to question that God has called me to write, until I started reading tons of blogs and articles saying everyone thinks their writing is inspired by God and Agents/Publishers don’t care about that.
While I believe God does use us all and in different ways, with different degrees of success, Satan has been trying to use this to get me to doubt myself.
I recognize it as a lie for myself and for everyone else who feels called by God to write.
We may not all be superstars, but what we write can influence someone. God may intend for what I write to influence only one person, but that one person may be the next Billy Graham!
I’m going to be faithful and I can’t wait to see where God takes me!
I often believe that because I can’t really play an instrument(but am taking piano lessons)or write any songs, I have nothing to offer but my passion and a good voice?
I shared this post with my entire staff the other day. I fall victim to these lies all the time.
Thanks for sharing, Andrew! I hope it was helpful to your team.