I just got done reading Hugh MacLeod’s book, Ignore Everybody and 39 other keys to creativity. It’s a really good book on creativity though some will find his language and a few of his illustrations a little troubling.
Nonetheless, He sums his book up this way and I think these are some really great points:
“If I had to condense this entire book into aline or two, it would read something like, “Work hard. Keep at it. Live simply and quietly. Remain humble. Stay positive. Create your own luck. Be nice. Be polite.”
I think that’s a pretty great way to approach living creatively.
Work Hard: Overnight successes are a rarety. Don’t plan on being one. Put in the time. Do your work.
Keep at it: Build and develop your gift and keep plugging away. The old saying is true: Quitters never win and winners never quit. As Andy Andrews says “Persist without exception.”
Live Simply and quietly: Nothing messes with creativity like stress. Nothing limits creative freedom like boatloads of debt. Keep it simple, relax and do great work.
Remain Humble: Who wants to work with (or support, or root for) an arrogant jerk?
Stay positive: Creating from a negative place is hard and do we (or our audiences) really need anymore negativity?
Create your own luck: This one is huge. We no longer live in a world where anyone has to sit around waiting to be discovered or picked. You don’t have to be lucky or get your big break. Make your own luck, build your own following. Pick yourself, do what you were created to do and show it to the world.
Be nice. Be polite: Because again who wants to work with a jerk. The internet has opened up a lot more opportunities and a lot more choices. We don’t need prima donnas and divas, because there is always someone else we can follow. Love your followers, your “fans”, appreciate them and reward them with your best work offered with a humble spirit. Their very limited time is a gift to you. Live like you appreciate it.
The world has changed and for the creative, that change is for the better. The opportunities are nearly endless. Don’t squander them.
To order Hugh MacLeod’s book from Amazon, click the cover.
