If you’ve never had a coach or are thinking of getting one, how could they benefit you? Here’s what works for me.
2024 Will Be The Year of Fun
Is it too late to make a prediction for the year? Probably, but I’ll do it anyway. In the world of business and marketing, 2024 will be all about humour and having a laugh. It will be the year of fun. I’ve seen anecdotal evidence of this. I’ve noticed that people re-branding their businesses have used playful cartoons. Or have incorporated amusing copy. Here’s an example. There were lots of funny ads during this year’s Superbowl. Celebrities were not taking themselves too seriously. The Beckhams. Ben Affleck. And in my favourite ad - Arnie and Danny.
So why is this?
Are We Too Fixated on Failure?
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. My Key Take-outs
I’ve recently finished the book ‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman, which describes itself as ‘Time Management for Mortals’. I found it enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Rather than quickly moving on to the next book, I thought I’d stop, reflect, and capture my key take-outs.
Here they are.
My Favourite Italian Brands
The Stanley Tumbler Story
The Stanley Tumbler phenomenon was brought to my attention by my daughter. I’d never heard of it, so decided to explore it further. It’s an amazing story of how a brand emerged from nowhere to dominate its category.
Over the past couple of years, the ‘Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler’ - to give it its full name - has become an object of desire. In 2023, sales were around $750 million vs $70 million in 2020.
So why has it become so successful? Here are the key reasons.
To Be More Creative, Just Follow the Rules
I’m reading a great book on storytelling called ‘Into the Woods’ by John Yorke. What struck me was how rule-bound everything is. The way you structure a story, and how you create characters. How you create drama, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments.
All the elements of a great story follow a clear set of rules. And have done so for centuries, no matter whether you’re sitting around a campfire or creating a Hollywood blockbuster.
To be creative we’re often encouraged to break existing rules. I’ve heard this so many times - and said it too. However, I’ve concluded that this is not the best advice. Focus instead on understanding the rules of creativity intimately and become adept at following them. This is the true path to creativity.
Understanding rules is not just for storytellers. The same applies to any creative field. If you’re cooking, you need to understand food chemistry. What happens when heat is added. How flavours combine. The role of fat, sugar and acids and how they react to each other. (I got all this from my favourite Summer read - Lessons in Chemistry.)
The same with playing a musical instrument, drawing, dancing - anything. You’ve got to invest the time and effort into learning and following the rules. Alexander McQueen was one of his generation's most celebrated and creative fashion designers. Aged 16, he served a two-year apprenticeship in tailoring on Savile Row and worked for other fashion labels. He then completed a Masters in fashion at Central St Martins. He was a true craftsman and an expert tailor before he launched his brand.
Once you’ve mastered the rules, you can push and challenge them with more confidence and freedom. You’ll feel powerful enough to improvise and play around like a jazz musician. If, for example, you’re an architect, once you’ve mastered your craft you can experiment with new materials, new structures or add personal flourishes.
SUMMARY
Saying ‘break the rules’ is a trite and obvious thing to say when encouraging people to be creative. I understand why. Creativity is about standing out and being original. We mustn’t just copy and imitate everything that has gone before.
However, getting to know the rules is fundamental to creativity. Like the storytelling experts tell us, there are tried and tested ways of taking people on an emotional journey and keeping people engaged.
Mastering rules is hard and time-consuming. It requires practice and dedication. I guess that’s why being creative is a lifetime’s journey.
Getting Going is the Tough Part
Self-improvement is on everyone’s mind at the moment. We’re inundated with articles on how to get fitter, how to achieve our goals, and how to make this year your best year ever. We’re certainly not short of advice and inspiration. It’s all around us.
I’ve only got one suggestion to make - to simply get going. No matter what your ambition is, just start small.
Your Best is Yet Come
A few weeks ago I was listening to an episode of Desert Island Discs with Adrian Edmondson. When the host, Lauren Laverne asked him what he considered his biggest achievement, he replied - I hope that my best is yet to come. I loved that answer. Adrian Edmondson is 66. A successful comedian, actor and writer. Almost a national treasure. Yet he still felt his best years were ahead of him. I nearly cheered.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
I’ve recently finished reading Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, a novel by Gabrielle Zevin. A great read. It’s set in the 1990s and focuses on the relationship between Sam and Sadie as they create a series of computer games. Whilst the Rick Rubin book teaches you about creativity, this book shows you creativity in action.
This is what I learnt and some of the questions it raised for me.
Modulating Your Status When You're Facilitating
The Best Book Ever on 'Creativity'?
Rick Rubin’s book, ‘The Creative Act’, draws upon his extensive experience of being a music producer to some of the world’s most successful musicians. In it, he provides perspectives on what it means to live a creative life. In many ways, it reminds me of Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’, as he describes creativity as a way of being, not simply a vocational skill.
I loved it. Is it the best ever book written on creativity? Well, it might well be. Let me explain why.
Sometimes, It's Good to be Boring
Lessons in Chemistry
What was your favourite book of the Summer? Mine was - by a long way - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I urge you all to read it. If you haven’t already you’re in for a treat. I’ve also noticed that it’s been made into a drama series on Apple TV. There’s a lot to enjoy. One of the central storylines is how the protagonist stars in a TV cookery show, but teaches it as a chemistry lesson. I thought it was wonderful. Great cooking is all about understanding chemical reactions.
Let's Make This More Interesting Podcast
I’m a big podcast fan. I listen to a new episode most days, usually on a dog walk, wearing my big, blue headphones. My tastes are varied: politics, culture, history, drama - anything. Here’s one I really like - Let’s Make This More Interesting. It’s an eatbigfish podcast, where Adam Morgan seeks to understand how we gain an audience’s undivided attention and avoid one of life’s biggest sins - being boring.
The Joys of Imperfection
Who to Invite to a Creative Workshop
Should We Ban Brainstorming Workshops?
How to Become a Better Networker
Does anyone really enjoy ‘networking’? I can’t think of anyone who does. But it’s something we all need to do if you’re tasked with generating new business. It’s especially important for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a constant stream of income. For those of us who hate it, what should you do?
Creating a 'Flow State' Workshop
I love the concept of being in a ‘flow-state’. It’s a state of true happiness. Something I always strive for. It’s where you feel fully immersed in what you’re doing. Time flies. You’re focused. You’re in the zone. It’s a rare state. It’s present during challenging, engaging activities. When your body and mind are in-synch.