Things I learnt in October
Creativity, curiosity, and the power of play
This month, after a few days in Rome, we relocated to Puglia, where we’ll be for the next month.
I’m working on my podcast, reading The Creative Act for the third time, and listening to lots of ‘overcoming resistance’ pods.
Whilst I’m feeling much more focused (largely thanks to these hacks), the act of creating a podcast, a first for me, is bringing up a lot of stuff. It’s forcing me to face my limitations, teaching me the art of patience, and reminding me that perhaps the most important thing you can do as an artist is learn to play.
I hope you find these lessons as helpful as I have. 🕊
Things I learnt in October
01. Have faith in the direction without needing to know the exact path. There is so much uncertainty when creating something new. It can be tempting to want a detailed plan, but the essence of creation lies in the unknown.
02. The act of starting something brings up a lot of discomfort. What if I’m bad? What if I fail? What if it’s more complicated than I expected? As Oliver Burkeman says, it forces you to confront your limitations, which is inherently uncomfortable. This resistance, though, is the norm. Creating meaningful things is hard. Facing it is “a prerequisite to living an extraordinary life”.
03. Set aside an 'Hour of Power’ each week. As Gretchen Rubin says, dedicate one hour every week to tackle annoying admin tasks that have been piling up and silently stressing you out.
04. "We tend to think that what we’re making is the most important thing in our lives and that it’s going to define us for all eternity. Consider moving forward with the more accurate point of view that it’s a small work, a beginning. The mission is to complete the project so you can move on to the next. That next one is a stepping-stone to the following work. And so it continues in a productive rhythm for the entirety of your creative life.” – Rick Rubin
05. “Some things are too important to be taken seriously.” – Oscar Wilde
06. When we do things—like cooking someone dinner or sending out a newsletter—it’s tempting to seek something in return (compliments, validation, etc.). Marcus Aurelius refers to this as “the third thing.” The first thing is the act itself, the second is its benefit to others, and the third—a desire for something in return—only distracts from the deeper purpose. Avoid the third thing.
07. If you’re wide awake at 5 a.m. day after day, you’re likely overwhelmed. Step back and simplify. As Charlie Munger says, “Genius has the fewest moving parts."
08. “The people who choose to do art are, many times, the most vulnerable. The sensitivity that allows them to make the art is the same vulnerability that makes them more tender to being judged. Still, many continue to share their work and risk criticism in spite of this. It’s as if they have no other choice. Being an artist is who they are, and they are made whole through self-expression.” – Rick Rubin
09. When you’re in the early stages of a creative project, remind yourself that your job is to play. It’s not about perfecting or pleasing; it’s about immersing yourself in the joy of unfiltered, free play.
10. Replace judgement with curiosity.
Have a beautiful weekend 🤍
JYK