Unleashing Your Hidden Creative Genius: Lessons from Steve Jobs and the Power of Persistence

Hatched by Glasp
Sep 05, 2023
3 min read
6 views
Copy Link
Unleashing Your Hidden Creative Genius: Lessons from Steve Jobs and the Power of Persistence
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
These powerful words spoken by Steve Jobs during his commencement address in 2005 serve as a reminder that life is short and that we should pursue our passions fearlessly. But how do we tap into our hidden creative genius and make our mark in the world? Let's explore the insights from Jobs' speech and the concept of persistence in creativity.
In Daniel Kahneman's book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," he shares a story about professional chess players. These players can make quick decisions because they have spent countless hours practicing and honing their skills. Similarly, Picasso once said, "It took me thirty years to draw that masterpiece in thirty seconds." Both of these examples highlight the importance of practice and dedication in reaching creative breakthroughs.
Research has shown that most groundbreaking work peaks during the late thirties, approximately a decade into one's career. Cognitive psychology professor John Hayes discovered that out of 500 famous musical pieces, nearly all of them were created after year 10 of the composer's career. Similar patterns were found with poets and painters. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "ten years of silence" - a period of intense work and growth before achieving notable success.
Chuck Close, a renowned artist, once said, "The only way I can get anything written at all is to write really, really shitty first drafts." This statement emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to create imperfect work. Amateurs wait for inspiration to strike, while professionals create on a schedule. Showing up and putting in the work consistently is what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.
To find your creative genius, it is crucial to finish something, anything. Stop overthinking and start doing. You don't need to create a masterpiece right away; you just need to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to produce something. Done is better than perfect. Perfectionism often leads to paralysis, preventing us from ever sharing our work with the world.
Share your work publicly. By doing so, you hold yourself accountable to creating your best work. Feedback from others will help you improve and refine your craft. Additionally, seeing others connect with and appreciate your work will inspire you and fuel your passion. Doing something in public brings better outcomes, and by sharing, you open yourself up to finding like-minded individuals who can support and collaborate with you.
Remember, what may seem simple to you could be brilliant to someone else. You'll never know unless you choose to share your work. It's through the process of doing the work, finishing something, seeking feedback, and continuously improving that you will find your creative genius. This journey requires persistence, dedication, and a willingness to embrace imperfection.
In conclusion, tapping into your hidden creative genius is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong journey. By following the advice of Steve Jobs and embracing the power of persistence, you can unleash your full creative potential. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to get you started:
- 1. Commit to a schedule: Set aside dedicated time each week or month to work on your creative endeavors. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Consistency is key.
- 2. Embrace imperfection: Give yourself permission to create imperfect work. Don't let the fear of judgment prevent you from delivering your creations to the world. Remember, done is better than perfect.
- 3. Share your work publicly: Find platforms to showcase your creations and connect with like-minded individuals. Sharing your work not only holds you accountable but also provides invaluable feedback and inspiration.
In the end, inspiration only reveals itself after perspiration. So, stay hungry, stay foolish, and keep pushing forward on your creative journey.
Resource:
Copy Link