Closing the Gap: How Creativity and Reading Can Improve Your Skills

Closing the Gap: How Creativity and Reading Can Improve Your Skills

Introduction:

Creativity and reading are two essential skills that can greatly enhance our lives and personal growth. In this article, we will explore the connection between these two areas and delve into the insights provided by Ira Glass and the Farnam Street blog. By understanding the process of creative work and the different levels of reading, we can take actionable steps to close the gap between our aspirations and our abilities.

The Gap in Creative Work:

Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, eloquently captures the frustration that many beginners experience in their creative endeavors. He emphasizes that those who pursue creative work are driven by their good taste, but often find that their initial output falls short of their expectations. This can lead to discouragement and even cause some individuals to quit before reaching their full potential.

Glass acknowledges that this phase is a normal part of the creative process. He encourages beginners to embrace the struggle and continue producing work. By setting deadlines and committing to completing one project per week, creators can gradually improve their skills and bridge the gap between their taste and their output. Glass emphasizes that it takes time and perseverance to reach the level of excellence that one aspires to.

The Importance of Volume of Work:

Glass's insights align with the idea that creativity is a practice that requires repetition and reinvention over time. The act of creating is more significant than the pursuit of being creative. This sentiment was succinctly summarized by Glass at SXSW when he said, "Don't wait. Just make the thing. Make a version, and then make it better and then make it better."

By adopting this mindset, anyone can create meaningful things. The focus should be on the accumulation of a body of work rather than striving for immediate perfection. Each creation serves as a stepping stone towards improvement. This perspective echoes the principles of Ratatouille's "anyone can cook" and Bob Ross's "anyone can paint" - creativity is accessible to all.

The Four Levels of Reading:

Reading is an integral part of personal growth and knowledge acquisition. The Farnam Street blog introduces the concept of the four levels of reading, which can help individuals improve their reading skills progressively.

1. Elementary Reading: This level represents the transition from nonliteracy to beginning literacy. It involves mastering the basic skills of reading and comprehension.

2. Inspectional Reading: This level focuses on skimming systematically to gain a superficial understanding of a book. It allows readers to identify works that provide valuable insights and select those written by experts in the subject.

3. Analytical Reading: Analytical reading involves a thorough and complete examination of a book. It requires asking organized and thought-provoking questions to delve deeper into the content. This level of reading aims to extract the maximum knowledge from a text.

4. Syntopical Reading: Syntopical reading is comparative reading, where multiple books are read and analyzed in relation to one another. By synthesizing information from various sources, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of a subject that may not be present in any single book.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the journey: Recognize that the initial phase of creative work may not meet your expectations. Embrace the process, set deadlines, and commit to producing a volume of work to bridge the gap between your taste and your output.

2. Be intentional about your reading: Select books and resources that challenge your understanding and expand your knowledge. Seek out experts in the field and engage in analytical reading to extract the most value from the texts.

3. Engage in syntopical reading: Don't limit yourself to a single book on a subject. Expand your perspective by reading multiple sources and analyzing them in relation to each other. This approach will enhance your understanding and provide a comprehensive view of the topic.

Conclusion:

Creativity and reading are intertwined disciplines that can significantly contribute to personal growth and development. By acknowledging the gap in creative work and committing to a volume of output, individuals can close the divide between their taste and their output. Similarly, by progressing through the levels of reading and engaging in syntopical reading, readers can deepen their understanding and gain valuable insights. Embrace the journey, be intentional in your reading choices, and seek out diverse sources to enhance your skills and knowledge. Remember, the key lies in your commitment to practice and continuous improvement.