"The Power of Creativity: Closing the Gap and Making What Matters"

"The Power of Creativity: Closing the Gap and Making What Matters"

Creativity is a beautiful and frustrating thing. It is the driving force behind all great works of art, music, literature, and innovation. But for those who are just starting out on their creative journey, it can be a daunting and disheartening process. As Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, once said, "Nobody tells this to people who are beginners. I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap."

Glass's quote resonates with so many creative individuals because it speaks to the truth of the creative process. When we first start creating, our work often falls short of our own expectations. We have a vision of what we want to create, but our skills and abilities haven't yet caught up to our taste. This is a frustrating phase that many people never push past. They become discouraged and give up on their creative pursuits altogether.

But for those who persevere, who continue to create and push through the disappointment, something magical happens. Over time, with practice and dedication, their work begins to close the gap between their taste and their skills. Glass emphasizes the importance of doing a lot of work and putting yourself on a deadline. By consistently creating and finishing projects, you are actively closing that gap and improving your creative abilities.

Creativity is not something that comes naturally to everyone. It is a skill that can be developed through practice and repetition. Glass's words remind us that the key to becoming a better creator is to create. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike or trying to be "creative." It's about taking action and making things. As Glass said at SXSW in 2017, "Don't wait. Just make the thing. Make a version, and then make it better and then make it better."

Incorporating Glass's insights into our own creative process can be transformative. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, we should shift our attention to the journey of creating. It's not about creating a masterpiece every time; it's about the act of creating itself. By embracing this mindset, we can free ourselves from the pressure of perfection and allow our creativity to flow.

So, how can we apply Glass's wisdom to our own creative endeavors? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the learning phase: Recognize that the first few years of your creative journey may not produce the results you desire. Instead of becoming discouraged, see this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the process of improvement and focus on building a strong foundation for your future creations.

2. Set deadlines and create a volume of work: One of the best ways to close the gap between your taste and your skills is to create a lot of work. Set deadlines for yourself and commit to finishing one project every week or month. The more you create, the more opportunities you have to improve and refine your craft.

3. Emphasize the act of creating, not just the end result: Instead of fixating on creating something perfect, shift your focus to the act of creating itself. Enjoy the process, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that creativity is a journey, and each creation contributes to your overall body of work.

In conclusion, creativity is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the process of improvement. As Ira Glass so eloquently stated, "The most important project and indeed the only real project is our body of work." So, embrace the learning phase, set deadlines, and focus on the act of creating. By doing so, you can close the gap between your taste and your skills and create what truly matters.