We are created to be creators.  When we stop creating out of fear or external circumstances, we often turn into consumers or critics.  On this episode, we explore what creating looks like (it’s not necessarily what you think), what stops us from creating, why it’s so important to keep doing it.

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On This Episode

Rhythm of Life – When You Can’t See Progress
Random Riffs – Laughter is Good for the Soul, the Singing Version
Feature Segment – Creator, Consumer, or Critic?

Today’s Quote

People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.  –Theodore Roosevelt

Rhythm of Life – When You Can’t See Progress

I sat in Elizabeth’s studio and cried.  I couldn’t see any evidence of improvement, despite my hard work at Alexander lessons and voice exercises.

It’s hard to trust when we can’t see or feel change, isn’t it?  Sometimes it’s because we’re not really looking.  We don’t really believe change is possible.  And sometimes we can’t see because the change is beneath the surface.

What am I learning from this experience?

1. Work with people you trust and are experts so you can trust you’re doing the right thing. Lean into that trust.
2. Action is better than no action. No work will definitely not yield results.  You have to keep doing the work.
3. It’s important to have goals, but you might need to hold the timeline loosely.
4. Sometimes it takes a different person or approach to help change.

If want some encouragement or a listening ear, send an email to kathleen@kathleenannthompson.com or leave a comment.

Random Riffs – Laughter is Good for the Soul, the Singing Version

Last week at Ruth’s house, we sat at the piano bench, as we so often do.  Only this time she pulled out the “Favorite Book of Humorous Songs”.

We sang and played and laughed until the tears rolled down our cheeks.  It felt so good.

It’s good to laugh, isn’t it?  No matter what the circumstances.  When you do it, you may feel a little bit crazy.  That’s okay.  Even good.

Feature Segment – Creator, Consumer, or Critic?

The room is alive with energy.  People animatedly talking with one another.  And then the meeting starts.  Within 30 seconds all the energy has drained out of the room.  People slouch in their chairs.  No one volunteers anything.  They speak in a monotone.

What happened?  Where did the creative energy go?  It left when “business” started because everyone in the room realized that they aren’t there to create.  They’re there to produce.

We are created to be creators.  Artists.  Yet, many of us don’t life that out.  Even though that’s what makes us fully human.  Fully alive.

What happens when our creativity is stifled – either by our own insecurity or fear, or by others? We turn from being a Creator to a Consumer or Critic.

Consumerism has been encouraged by our culture and driven by the Industrial Revolution.  It’s even considered patriotic.

It’s not limited to spending money, though.  Consumerism also includes consuming experiences or knowledge.

It’s okay to consume.  It just shouldn’t be what drives us.  It shouldn’t take the place of creating.

Beyond consuming, we can even take it another step further – become a critic.  Not feedback.  Criticism.

Criticism focuses on past behavior.  It’s usually negative.  Feedback is different.  It focuses on future behavior.  And should only be given by someone who has earned the right – a parent, coach, teacher, manager, or friend.

Both outside and internal forces can turn us into critics.  Listen to the episode to hear what I mean by that.

Unfortunately, we’ve become a nation of critics.  Armchair critics who aren’t in the arena themselves.  Because people who are creating don’t have time to be critics.

Those who speak about this:

Michael Port – Steal the Show

Brene Brown – Rising Strong

How can you have the courage to create instead of consume or criticize?

1. Have a compelling reason to create.
2. Try it in an arena where you won’t get criticized.
3. Block out the noise.
4. Carry a list of people who have earned the right to speak into your life and listen only to them.
5. Form or join a community.

We’re all created to be creators.  It’s what makes us most human.  Brings us most alive.  Everyone is created to be creators.  Not just a few “creative” people.

Easy to live below potential by becoming consumers or critics.  Can do it from fear or insecurity (internal factors) or because environment stifles creativity.

Take stock of your ife today.  Work, volunteer, family, friendships.  If you’re sliding – or already slid –into consumerism or criticism, what can you do to change that?  It might simply be your attitude or habit.  Or – maybe it’s time for a big change – like me.  If can’t create in your work right now, you might want another outlet.  A place where your spirit can soar.  Where you can develop the potential of your humanity.

If want help evaluating your workplace, created a quiz for you.  I’ll help you determine if your workplace is stifling your creative spirit.  Click here  for the quiz.  Then depending on results, you can decide what type of action to take.

This is too important to let slide or leave to chance.  As I said in Episode 090, the future of work is to Artisans.  Artisans are creators.  In Episode 091, we saw that an Artisan lives at the intersection of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.  Craftspeople make something.  Create.  Artisans use creativity as they work.

Whether at work, play, or relationships, commit to be a creator today.  Take actions toward that end.  Even if you think you aren’t “creative”.  Or an artist.  You are.  You just have to find the spark and fan it into flame.  Let me know what you’re doing by leaving a comment or sending an email to kathleen@kathleenannthompson.com.