Elizabeth Gilbert - Ted Talk & 5 Ways To Encourage Creative Minds
- louisehewison
- Oct 8, 2014
- 3 min read
I love this Ted Talk - Your elusive creative genius, by writer Elizabeth Gilbert.
"The author of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' Elizabeth Gilbert has thought long and hard about some big topics. Her fascinations: genius, creativity and how we get in our own way when it comes to both."
This talk really resonated with me as an actor and an entrepreneur.
I love the idea that we have a creative genie, spirit, energy - or whatever else you'd like to call it- that comes to us with creative genius. We need to grab the genius when it visits us at the right time and accept that sometimes it will be visiting someone else. We just have to keep showing up for our part in the process and keep doing what we love.
This got me thinking about how we can stop ourselves showing up and what we can do to help ourselves...
I have recently had to take a 'step back' and take temp' work to pay the bills, in order for me to continue moving forward following my creative passions.
I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have and the ability to earn in flexible paid work while building this wonderful Bodhi Babes community and going to castings for acting, but I have days, people and my ego that make me feel I should 'get a proper job'.
It's a first World problem I know, I really have nothing to complain about, however when you're not spending all your time on the creative work you love, it can bring you down. I also find it difficult to keep the momentum going when the initial spark of creativity and excitement of a new idea or project has faded.
How can we encourage and suport our creative minds?
1. Spend your spare time on the creative things you love...
Whether that be painting, writing, acting, dancing or building things. To be an actor, you must act, a writer, you must write... so do it wherever and whenever you can- note to self!
2. While you're building your creative business or career...
Find a way to earn money that doesn't drain your energy, so you can focus your attention on your passion in your spare time.
3. Think of your employer as an investor in your future...
Spend and invest your money wisely. Take creative inspiration from everyone and everything around you- be inquisitive about the experiences, environment and different characters you come across. How could you turn these into inspiartion for your creativity? Ricky Gervais worked in an office for years and used it as inspiration for his masssive hit show 'The Office'.
4. Be a student and a teacher...
There is always an opportunity to learn something new. Even if something appears to be working against us, think about what you can learn from that situation? How could you approach things differently next time? What knowledge could you pass on to others?
5. Connect with like minded people- in person!
In this age of social media it is wonderful to be able to connect so easily with like minded people, so share and collaborate. Do this often. Think about what you have to offer and how you can help others with their endeavours.
The best ideas and forces come from collaboration. Make sure you connect with people in person whenever you can... people are more likely to want to work with you if they have met you and there is so much more creative energy in face to face contact. Look at events and talks happening near you, where you can meet people. Make new friends and support networks. If you can't find the group you're looking for, start your own. Meet up is a great place to begin.
What other ways can we support and encourage our creative minds?
x Louise
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