Creativity and discovery
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What’s your trademark?
“We are all weird in some way….Most of the time it’s what makes us so incredible. So where’s your will to be weird? Where’s your resolution to be real? Celebrate your individuality and don’t be embarrassed by it. If you’re lucky enough to have something that makes you different from everybody else, don’t be ashamed and don’t hide it. Own it!” ~Marc Chernoff, Marc & Angel Hack Life Most people cringe at the thought of appearing “weird.” At the same time, we also embrace the idea of having a trademark or a personal style — something that sets us apart from others. Your trademark is a character note that people…
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Sticky songs
“We become what we repeatedly do.” ~Stephen R. Covey Cher won’t stop singing “Dark Lady” inside my head. The pop tune was released in 1974 but happened to be playing on my car radio last week. Now it repeats itself on an endless loop in my mind while I’m brushing my teeth each morning. Then it starts all over again, later, while I’m making dinner in the kitchen. What is it with sticky songs? According to my online research, sticky songs (otherwise known as “earworms”) have a scientific label: Involuntary Musical Imagery, or INMI. “According to the first large-scale study of earworms, such songs usually have a faster tempo, a…
- Creativity and discovery, Dr. Seuss, Friendship and relationship advice, Personal growth, Photo stories
The know-it-all trap
“It’s high time you were shown that you don’t really know all there is to be known.” ~Dr. Seuss When our grandson was four, he was an expert on a wide range of topics. Whenever we tried to share something new or teach a small lesson, his typical response was, “I already knew that.” It cracked me up every time. But the adult know-it-all isn’t as cute. You know the type: Every time you try to share fresh information, the know-it-all has already been there, seen it, or done it before. You can’t show or tell them anything new. They’re always on the lookout for opportunities to inform or one-up…
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Just do it
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” ~Andy Warhol Artists are courageous people. When it comes to expressing creativity, fear is usually what stops other people in their tracks — not lack of talent. Fear of failure … Fear of being imperfect … Fear of appearing foolish … Fear of being misjudged. Are you toying with the idea of starting a new creative project or trying a new hobby? Once you ignore the inner critics that discourage you, you’ll start to paint, knit, sculpt,…
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It’s OK to be wrong
“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” ~Patti Digh, Creative Is a Verb Do critics and perfectionists test your patience? These are the stubborn control freaks who like to point out the crooked seams on your brand-new shirt, for example, or correct other people’s errors in casual conversation. They won’t consider an opposing viewpoint and they won’t change their opinion — even if it’s as clear as daylight. You know a few of them too? The fear of being wrong, or appearing wrong, is a buzzkill for just about everything. Today’s quote reminds us that creativity involves risk and adventure. All of which can…
