The Relationship Between Creativity and Practice: Closing the Gap

The Relationship Between Creativity and Practice: Closing the Gap

Creativity is a fascinating aspect of human nature. It drives us to explore new ideas, express ourselves, and create meaningful work. However, the journey to becoming a truly creative individual is not always easy. In fact, it can be quite frustrating. This sentiment is perfectly captured in a quote by Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life. He states, "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 highlights a common experience shared by many creative individuals – the phase where our work falls short of our expectations. We start off with a vision of what we want to create, fueled by our impeccable taste. Yet, when we actually produce something, it fails to meet our own standards. This is a critical moment in the creative process, one that separates those who persevere from those who quit.

The truth is, most people never get past this phase. They become discouraged by the disconnect between their aspirations and their current abilities, causing them to abandon their creative pursuits. However, those who are determined to grow and develop their creative skills press on. They understand that this gap is a natural part of the creative journey and that the only way to close it is through practice and hard work.

Ira Glass emphasizes the importance of doing a lot of work as a means to bridge this gap. He advises putting oneself on a deadline and committing to finishing one project every week. It is through this volume of work that we gradually improve and reach a level of proficiency that aligns with our ambitions. Glass acknowledges that this process takes time and perseverance, but he encourages us to fight our way through it.

This concept of practice and repetition as a path to creative growth is further supported by the idea of collective intelligence. Alexandra Elbakyan, the creator of Sci-Hub, is a prime example of someone who is using technology to remove barriers to knowledge development. Although her actions are controversial and face legal issues, she believes in the power of sharing research papers to connect one brain to another.

Elbakyan recognizes that our brains are essentially networks of interconnected neurons, constantly communicating with one another. This understanding drives her mission to break down the barriers imposed by copyright laws that hinder the free distribution of information, particularly academic papers and books. She sees the potential for collective intelligence to propel human knowledge forward, and she is willing to take risks to make it happen.

Ultimately, the key takeaway from both Glass and Elbakyan is that creativity is not just about being "creative" in the abstract sense. It is about taking action and creating tangible work. The gap between our taste, intuition, and ambitions can only be closed by actively producing a volume of work over time. Our body of work becomes our true project, the embodiment of our creative journey.

To apply these insights to our own creative endeavors, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the gap: Understand that the disconnect between your aspirations and your current abilities is a natural part of the creative process. Instead of becoming discouraged, view it as an opportunity for growth.

2. Commit to consistent practice: Set deadlines and hold yourself accountable for completing projects regularly. This will help you build the necessary skills and close the gap between your taste and your output.

3. Foster collective intelligence: Seek opportunities to collaborate and share your work with others. By connecting with like-minded individuals, you can tap into the power of collective intelligence and accelerate your creative development.

In conclusion, creativity is not a mystical quality reserved for a select few. It is a skill that can be cultivated through practice, perseverance, and a willingness to create. The gap between our aspirations and our current abilities can be closed by embracing the process, committing to consistent work, and harnessing the power of collective intelligence. So, let us all heed the advice of Ira Glass and Alexandra Elbakyan and embark on our own creative journeys, knowing that we have the capacity to make what truly matters.