Bring Your "A" Game

Many thought leaders talk about the importance of bringing creativity into our lives. We inherently correlate creativity with the performing and visual arts. But for those of us who are artistically challenged, creativity can apply to anything we do including our current jobs. The common denominator of creativity is uniqueness and personal. I also argue that creativity requires passion meaning unless we are passionate about something, we really cannot introduce creativity into it. This is why so many of us need to strike out in new pursuits in our second stage of life. We’re just not inspired anymore. It’s the pursuit of passion and creativity that brings deeper meaning to our lives.

In our efforts to develop and introduce our creativity, we encounter significant friction. Neil Strauss, celebrated author and writer for the New York Times argues that part of this friction is a consequence of the “others” in our heads. The words of friends, family and colleagues define for us others’ expectations and we don’t want to encounter their disappointment and/or criticism. But as Strauss states, unless we are willing to open ourselves up to criticism, we’re simply not doing anything. I venture to say that there isn’t a single, successful and creative person that hasn’t encountered the haters. It requires courage and courage is fundamental to our success in reinventing our lives. Who said it was going to be easy?

Strauss also argues that many of us cannot stop refining our creative pursuits. Our continual refinements are another friction to releasing our creativity to the world. Maybe it’s our fear of criticism or simply our lack of belief in the value of what we are doing. If we just tweak this or that, our precious creative thing will then be worthy for public consumption. Unless we are willing to risk public exposure, we will never receive the feedback that is so critical to our creative growth. At some point we have to draw the line in the sand and say, enough is enough, Release the Kraken! Sorry, flashback from Clash of the Titans.

So friends, let’s bring our “A” games as we build a second stage of life on a foundation of passion and creativity. Let’s respect what others think, but let’s look in the mirror at the one person that will hold us most accountable when we take our last breath. And for God’s sake, put it out there for others to see and experience. What do you really have to lose other than your feelings? I don’t know about you, but my skin is a lot thicker today.