Why Unused Creativity may be Harming your Health
What I learned at the World Domination Summit
During the first week of July this year (2012) I headed to Portland, Oregon for something called the World Domination Summit. If you just made a face, rolled your eyes or muttered some version of “what the…?” under your breath, you are not alone. I hesitated telling friends, or posting status updates on Facebook, for fear of reactions to the title.
Lobby entrance to the 2012 World Domination Summit – photo credit Armosa Studios
Passion
Scott Dinsmore from Live Your Legenddid a great job of summarizing some of the highlights of the conference. I read Scott’s blog on a regular basis and met him at the conference, and can attest that he’s the real deal. His site is all about finding your passion and living it, which, in a way sort of sums up the conference too. The people I met are in various places on their journey but they all had that one thing in common – passion!
Here’s a few examples of people I met or saw and what they are doing:
- I met Marthe Hagen from Norway who courageously wrote about her own personal struggles and in doing so is helping others
- I met Benny Lewis who travels the world, learning languages and teaching others how to do it too.
- I met Jess Green who helps people find find a creative course, I’ve registered my workshops on her site, Seek Your Course
- I met Stacey and Craig who help dance studio owners build web sites
- I met numerous writers (Cynthia Morris), literary agents, artists (Lisa Call) and artist coaches (Alyson Stanfield who’s book I’d Rather Be in the Studio I have in my library – and Anita Horton) all involved in creative endeavors
- I saw amazing keynote speakers including Scott Harrison who’s small goal is to help provide clean water to 100,000,000 (thats a hundred million!) people by the end of the decade, that don’t currently have access. The group he founded, Charity:water has already provided water to 2.5 million and I believe he’ll make his goal.
- I met people that live abroad and travel year round, or whenever they want, and have businesses to support that type of lifestyle
- I met three amazing women (that’s us in the photo to the right) who were also my roommates. We had never met before but hooked up on Facebook to share hotel costs. We now plan to keep in touch monthlyand help each other stay on track with our goals. We arrived as strangers, but left as friends. (Left to right: Jen Vertanen, me, Louise Wo, Sarah O’Leary)
The common thread – passion!
Are you getting the idea?! 1000 attendees and speakers, each with a great story and living an extraordinary life of passion, on their terms. So how you dominate the world will be different for you. It could simply mean dominating your own world, and killing it, as the best ever at what you do: mom, teacher, coach, blogger, travel writer, artist, executive assistant, lawyer, etc.
This was all started by a guy named Chris Guillebeau with his site and book of the same name – The Art of Non-Conformity. He’s a humble guy from Porland, who’s created a huge following of people the related to his message – life on your own terms. He did something extraordinary at the end of the summit. I’m not going to tell you what it is, if you want to know head over to his site and read, “The $100 Investment”, there’s a video as well.
Oh and it was also a lot of fun! There was a karaoke party, Bollywood dance party in an old style dance hall, and many other official and unofficial events. I even created and led a photowalk and 40 people showed up. Having never been to Portland before, that was a bit challenging. But I took it on nonetheless, and people seemed to really enjoy themselves. Thanks to all of you that came along on the walk!
My photowalk group, photo courtesy James Clear (he was the man with a tripod)
Unused creativity is not benign
I experienced a huge “aha” during the opening keynote speaker, Dr. Brené Brown when she said,
“Unused creativity is not benign and doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear.”.
Brene Brown on stage at the World Domination Summit – photo by Armosa Studios
WOW!!
That hit me like a ton of bricks right in the face!
She talked about how as small children we are encouraged to express our creativity in every way – draw, sing, dance! But as we get older, suddenly there’s a standard we have to measure up to and many kids end up getting stifled and their creativity is silenced.
How I was affected by this creativity standard as a child . . .
I remember being about 10 when I was told in music class that my singing voice “sounded funny” (by a classmate or teacher I don’t honestly remember). So from that moment on, I never sang again. I only ever just moved my lips and pretended to sing. This continued long into adulthood, until after many personal growth courses and self help books, into my late 30s. How can this one thing affect us so greatly, and for so long?! Some never overcome this creativity squashing.
Some other new friends I met!
Now, I’m happy to go to karaoke and actually participate and sing for real. My roomie Louise sang lead for R-E-S-P-E-C-T and I was one of her back up singers at the karaoke party. I can’t tell you how many people came up to me over the weekend and told me how great we were, and how much they loved it. I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you how great that feels, overcoming that old hurt.
“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso
So how does that relate to you?
You may be asking yourself that question now, why am I rambling on about this? Because I feel that a good percentage of our society has had a similar incident, or been told that something they created wasn’t good enough and it had dire consequences. Ask yourself these questions:
- What part of your creativity have you shelved for fear of not being “good enough” for someone else’s standard?
- What do you want to create but haven’t? Why?
- What is stopping you from expressing your creativity?
- What is your story?
You are probably here because of an interest in photography. Luckily this part of me was encouraged in my teens (by supportive parents and a mentor teacher – thanks Mr. Gainer wherever you are) and it became a career. Many others are not so lucky.
Do you relate to any or all of these?
- Stuck in a job – perhaps you feel stuck in a boring job you hate but can’t quit, or don’t want to leave but you feel the need to do “something”, anything!
- Afraid – maybe you dream of doing photography as a hobby or a part-time business, but are afraid of what people will think.
- Doubt – maybe you doubt that you have what it takes. The “not good enough” fairies dance in your head a little too often?
- Lack an outlet – maybe you simply just need some outlet for this creativity that’s been bottled up for so long and you picked up a camera – so here we are!
The Bollywood party room – this place was literally hopping for 3 hours
Help is here!!!
The good news is – you’re in the right place, help is here! Sometimes I feel like what I do isn’t really that important in the grand scheme of things. I can’t do brain surgery and save someone’s life. I haven’t raised 2.5 million dollars for charity. But what I can do IS important and I’ve come to realize that in a big way after this summit.
Expression of creativity is key in living a happy, passionate, fulfilled life. You don’t have to be a professional artist, hell you don’t even have to be good at it. The biggest key is to just do it! Do something creative in your own way. Suck at it even, who cares! But enjoy it, love it, and have fun with it.
Take action now!
So what do you do now?
- Start by getting out there and surrounding yourself with other “crazy”passionate people.
- Find groups to meet with that like doing what you do.
- Take some classes.
- Meet some strangers at a conference (or coffee shop) and make friends.
- Do something that you think is unusual, daring or downright scares your socks off
- Do something that the people around you think is a little bit weird like going to some conference called the World Domination Summit. (Hint many of the speakers that weekend said if you get that sort of reaction to something, you’re probably on the right track – to that thing!)
My challenge to you
PART ONE: I want to know your story. Answer the questions (above) in the comments, tell me your story. Tell me your fears. Tell me what you plan to do about it! Tell me how I can help. If you think you can’t post it publicly, go read Marthe’s story and see if you change your mind. Her article has gone viral and she’s been overwhelmed with support.
PART TWO: What are you going to do to express your creativity?
For further discussion on this topic of losing our creativity, watch this TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson.
Photo credits: all the photos from the conference (except the photowalk group) were taken by Armosa Studios. The group photo is by James Clear.
Cheers Darlene
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Nice job summing it up, Darlene! I love it! SO glad I met you and went on the photo crawl. Next year, I shall apply sunscreen to the mix!
Create? Me? I never thought I was creative. I would love to turn my love of photography & sharing how I see inspiration & life wisdom in everything into a part time business.
Why? To expand people’s perception of the world and the possibilities.
Stopping me? I have no formal training in photography. I am not a professional. I am too old. I am not techie enough. My photos are not good enough. Too many other people are already doing it. Biggest one of all, no one is going to join ‘my tribe’.
My Story? I am over 50 and find myself challenged to really make my time my time. As a mother and a woman putting others needs before mine feels like a career in itself. I have done bzillions of enriching personal work and feel that inside I am bursting at the seems to find an outlet to share the way I see the world. I start and stop, start & stop because I have to keep trying and then the things I mentioned above emerge & I stop.
You are not too old and why not reach for the sky. It is you people buy not just the photos.
Hi, Darlene!
Let’s keep thinking forward and all the while, keep in touch.
Thank you so much for the mention in your post, Passion. It was wonderful meeting you. Thank you again for organizing the Photo Walk. I love our group photo!
Until soon,
Anita Horton
http://www.artteachtravel.com
Thanks, nice recap of WDS! It was such an amazing and transformative weekend.
Hi Darlene. I really enjoyed your article, and salute you for diving into the conference. I found the info you provided to be interesting, and encouraging. How aweful to think that if not used the creative force is squashed like a bug. I really didn’t like to hear that. When I was looking for a new direction for work I put that side of me away .
Thank goodness that there is still some creativety left behind to work with
Marlene
I have a husband who isn’t very creative and doesn’t see the need for me to have a creative outlet. He insists that I cannot quit my job to pursue my dreams.(good thing I work part time;)) I have an appointment with a corporate attorney in a few weeks to get the ball rolling on my own photography business. Guess who is going to have the last laugh?????????
Thanks everyone for your comments and your bravery to be honest!
@Cynthia – yes we don’t want you as the lobster girl next year! Glad to have met you as well!
@Karen – pretty common things I hear from several of my clients and students actually, especially in our age bracket (45-55). So how can I support you? What do you need to feel encouraged? If you don’t get it at home, how can you get it elsewhere?
@Marlene it’s worse than that, it isn’t just wasted – it turns into anger and resentment.
@Lura where are you located that you need a corporate lawyer to start a small business? I don’t think I even had one until 5-6 years into my business. Are you planning on incorporating right off the top? If that is your dream then no one should squash it. Same thing I ask Karen, if you don’t get support at home, make sure you surround yourself with like minded people in other ways. Find a MettUp group, join the Chamber of Commerce, find a blog (he he, like this one) where you relate and feel at home. You need to find a sense of belonging and community. It has been said that you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with in your life. If you don’t like the total, change the people. I’m not suggesting you get rid of your husband, but perhaps add other new people in!
Darlene Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words of encouragment. I am a mother of 3 young ones (all under 5) and got serious into photography (taking clasees, reading books, following blogs like yours, etc.) a few years ago. I LOVE being behind the camera but I can relate with both the “fear” and “doubt” bullet points. I have tried to offer discounted services to people so that I can build up clients and get some experience but have not had any success as of yet. Luckily I have a mostly supportive husband (I just wish I could justify photography purchases with my own earned money). I guess I am leaving a comment just so that others can see maybe they are not alone in their struggles and to say thanks for giving me a push to continue on in my struggles and not give up.
Stacy thank you for reading and for sharing. I feel like I need to write more of this kind of post because so many people can relate to it on a deeper level than just “how to take nice photos”. I appreciate your honestly and willingness to be vulnerable and share with strangers and the world. I think you’re right, sharing is what brings us closer together and could help someone else who is more afraid to do so or just go for what they want.
Thanks for the posting. I am beginning to feel a confluence of creativity around me. My wife is a great believer of The Secret and is an avid follower of TED talks. The other day Pete Collins posted an inspirational post featuring Dr Brown. It made me appreciate that I am very good with my photography. To read your post today, and see Dr Brown’s name again this week just makes me feel there maybe something to putting ideas out to the universe and that they do come back. Thank you for reminding me not to hold back on my creativity.
Darlene I had no idea that ignoring my creative urges could lead to anger and resentment. I’ve known for a long time that anger is poison, and had no idea that it could be created by not using god given creativity. The concept of making a living from my creativity is a new one, and I see your blogs, and travels to be proof that it is possible.
As far as the ashes of creativity acting on the body goes, I believe the removal of my gallbladder this week to be proof of that. Louise Hay’s ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ confirms this.
Please do continue with this kind of post Darlene. It’s is the right time for it, and as you can see it’s helping each of us in different ways.
Marlene
This poem just came across my desk and thought it was so apropos for this discussion I have to share:
It Couldn’t Be Done by Edgar Albert Guest
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one has done it”;
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle it in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That “couldn’t be done,” and you’ll do it.
Mitch – you’re most welcome. Deep down we all have the same fears that we’re not good enough in some capacity. Acting in spite of that fear is what separates those that do from those that dream. Get out there and DO!
Marlene – wow you’re having your gall bladder out!? Thank you, I do feel like this is the right direction for not only me, but for everyone. There are too many people living “existences” and not truly LIVING life to the fullest. There is too much fear, anger and hate in the world. We need more creativity, love and acceptance. I think it’s time we all get passionate about something and just do it.
What does Louise say about gall bladders?
Awesome post Darlene! I had an AH HA! moment when I read this “Unused creativity is not benign and doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear.”. Probably much like you did when you first heard it. Now I just want to go and spew out creativity all over the place! I unfortunately listened to the nay sayers to much growing up when they said things like “you can’t be a rock star don’t be ridiculous” “You can’t be an actor don’t be ridiculous” “You can’t be (insert anything creative) don’t be ridiculous”. I’ve had to push my creativity down into the hidden recesses of my body for far too long. I have let it come out from time to time only to be pushed back down again by listening to those old doubtful voices planted in my head in my formative years…damn those voices!! I’m not going to listen to them anymore! Loved this post
Yes it was an “aha” moment for me, literally I almost fell out of my chair. Glad you liked it – since there has been such a great responses to this article there will be more like it in the near future, I promise! Thanks for reading.
This is a really great article. The real eye opener for me is that WDS is for everyone, I always thought it was for groundbreaking entrepreneurs with world changing ideas. I will have to look hard at WDS 2013!
To answer your questions:
> What part of your creativity have you shelved for fear of not being “good enough” for someone else’s standard?
My creativity has been reignited in my 30s (now 35). For years it felt that science and art were mutually exclusive. At school it was one or other on syllabus and I excelled at science and sucked at art and music, so the creative in me died before it had a chance to live. As a software development manager now I love photography (a big part of my father and grandfather’s life) and can produce imagery I love. I think the IT and photography thing gels because of the union of geek and artist more than most creative pursuits. My creativity is no longer shelved but I’m dying to use it professionally, I love it beyond words. But I’m also scared to death.
>What do you want to create but haven’t? Why?
I want to create more great imagery, travelling to great locations for prolonged and purposeful image making – not even exotically, there are so many great locations here in the UK. Work (time), family (commitments), money all hold me back.
>What is stopping you from expressing your creativity?
As above. So much gets in he way and as a hobby, however serious, or even a potential lifeline it’s difficult to carve dedicated time. It’s easy to find an hour here or there, but a week to explore Scotland’s mountains is nigh impossible.
>What is your story?
Covered above mostly. I hate my job and the 4 things above resonate with me. Hate is perhaps too strong a word, I just don’t care about it an am not at all engaged with it. I’m full time thinking about photography. I’m building a website and looking to online tutorials, workshops and mentoring as a way to escape IT but the difference in money is huge. I know I can’t do his based on image sales and that teaching is important. But the market feels so saturated and despite knowing I have a lot to share, doing my own shooting, experiencing more, having a wider portfolio seem like reasons to keep a well paid job and not take the plunge. But I know I will be saying that in 10 years…
As much as people tell me how great I am (in my eyes fain praise) and how I feel I can do this, a large part of me knows I will fail. Knowing – rather than fearing – holds me back, and I struggle to disentangle procrastination and risk aversion from common sense and pragmatism. With a family, failing seems like the end of the world.
Wow Duncan, I’m moved at your honesty and willingness to share! I’m no expert but in my own unprofessional opinion that’s half the battle. You’ve just expressed and verbalized what many people internalize and never spit out and it ends up eating them alive from the inside. So keep that momentum going, doing something creative now!
Okay so I get you have a job and you need to provide for your family so quitting any time soon isn’t a viable option. So rather than concentrate on what you can’t do – let’s talk about what you CAN do? What can you do right now, today, in your own home even that is creative? You don’t need to spend a week in the Scottish mountains (as fabulous as that sounds) you can find creative opportunities everywhere, at any given time.
If you haven’t already done so please sign up for my newsletter using the form on the main page (or on the right side bar at the top of this page) and download my free ebook 10 Challenges to help you improve your photography without buying more gear. I give you 10 challenges or exercises you can do anywhere to get the creative muse active.
As for “knowing” that you’ll fail – well in my world there are only two things that are guaranteed – death and taxes. Failure is up for debate!
Hehe, you asked for my story so there it is right there
I’m very aware that my situation isn’t unique – I think most people have something they are passionate about that they would rather be doing with their life but feel trapped by circumstance. Sometimes that circumstance is perceived rather than real, but often there are real, valid reasons for not being able to do what you love. I think one of the problems is that we’re impatient, we want it now and it should be possible to flick a switch and go from where we are to where we want to be instantly. The reality is that it’s a journey and with focused intent we get further down the road each day. It’s us driving the car, we just have to get the speed right.
In terms of what I am doing, I am active and I’m “digging my escape tunnel”! I’ve been photographing for several years, think my work has improved a lot and dedicate most of my spare time to its pursuit in one way or another. I know I need to keep working at it daily as my “side hustle” and that one day perhaps a tipping point will come where it does become a realistic career for me. The good thing is that my creative muse is very much active and alive and well, I just need to build and sustain momentum alongside my current job. My next big thing is to finish my website and build an active blog.
On the “knowing I’ll fail” thing, I can be pretty hard on myself and full of self-doubt. I think (hope!) most of us are but I need to make sure it’s not debilitating. What I mean is that I know that success won’t be generating the same money as my current job and that presents certain challenges for me and my family. I would define success as supporting my family whilst spending the majority of my waking hours pursuing something I love. By “knowing” I know that current circumstance won’t allow that, so I need to change circumstances (and the pain that may bring my wife and family) to allow that to succeed.
Whilst often hard on myself, I am very conscious and mindful of the things that I am doing and where I’m trying to get and making sure I move the ball forward everyday, and now I’m trying to improve my yardage
Thanks again for the thought provoking article, and your challenge!
ps apologies for typos above, fat fingers and iPad keyboards are a poor match
Darlene: Sorry I’m late getting here. I’m still catching up from WDS and my week in Oregon. #williteverhappen?
It was super to meet you at WDS. You have fantastic photos here and it bums me out that I didn’t just follow you around all weekend.
I love that you found a tribe of roommates to stay in touch with.
I truly appreciate your mention here.
Thanks for your comment Alyson, it means a lot. It was super meeting you too. Hopefully we can do it again next year and increase the size of our baby boomer breakfast!
I used to love art, and because I love writing children’s picture books, I’d like to be good enough to do my own illustrations. Text and illustrations have to really meld for the book to be great. I’ve tried out some for myself, using photos and collage but haven’t yet worked up the courage to put it together. Photography is giving me a creative outlet that satisfies some of the need.
Hi Maureen, that’s awesome thanks for sharing!
Hi Darlene,
I love photography, macro in particular, and writing short stories. Your article is very inspiring. I recently started a 365 Project whereby I take a photo a day and post it (in my website and on Facebook). I started December 1, 2012 and have recently realized just how much I love, love, love taking photos. I still don’t think I’m good enough or “normal” enough to start a part-time business because I don’t do portraits and weddings. I photograph objects, ordinary everyday objects… and I LOVE it! So now I’m doing what I want to do. I’m enjoying it, I’m having fun with it.
Thanks.
Being a pro isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be so I wouldn’t worry about that so much. Just keep doing it because you love it!