Unlocking your Creative Potential: Insights from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic
Creating art is a beautiful and powerful way to express yourself, but for many of us, it can also be a source of fear and frustration. As Elizabeth Gilbert explains in her book Big Magic, the creative process is full of contradictions and paradoxes that can make it difficult to fully unlock our potential as artists. In this blog post, we will explore some of the insights that Gilbert offers on how to overcome the obstacles that may be holding us back from fully embracing our creativity.
We will delve into the negative impact of perfectionism on our ability to create and how to shift our mindset to become more comfortable with the idea of "becoming a deeply disciplined half-ass". We'll also explore the importance of balancing our financial needs with our creative passions and how to maintain a steady source of income while still allowing ourselves the freedom to create. Lastly, we'll discuss how to confront fear, one of the most common obstacles that can hold us back from truly expressing ourselves, by recognizing that it's not unique or interesting, but rather a common and mundane instinct.
Throughout this post, we will be drawing on Gilbert's wisdom as well as other experts' insights to help you understand how to approach your creative journey with a sense of joy and lightness. Understanding that there will be moments when you need to leap from one end of the spectrum to the other, going from a full commitment to your art to being willing to throw it away in a matter of minutes, this post will guide you to embrace these shifts and know that they are a natural part of the creative process.
With this post as a guide, you will be better equipped to understand and navigate the contradictions and paradoxes of the creative process, and ultimately, unlock your full potential as a creator.
How to Deal With Perfectionism
Elizabeth Gilbert's insights in Big Magic about the negative impact of perfectionism on creativity is a common problem for many individuals. Gilbert notes that many people don't bother creating because they feel that their work will never live up to the ideal version in their minds. They are so afraid of not being perfect that they don't even try to begin. In addition, Gilbert argues that perfectionism is often disguised as a virtue, but it is really just fear in disguise. This fear is particularly prevalent in women, leading them to hold back their ideas, talents, and leadership.
Perfectionism can be a significant roadblock on the path to unlocking one's creative potential. As James Clear notes in his quote, "Waiting until something is perfect before you begin only demonstrates your fear of failure." By constantly striving for perfection, we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and delay progress. Instead, we should focus on gaining experience and learning through the process of creating. This is where Gilbert's idea of "becoming a deeply disciplined half-ass" comes in. It is important to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and not have everything perfect from the start. By letting go of the fantasy of perfection and embracing the idea of becoming a "deeply disciplined half-ass" we can overcome the fear that is holding us back and start to actively participate in our creative pursuits.
As someone who has been writing and re-writing my musical "Hummingbird" for approximately 6 years, I understand the negative impact that perfectionism can have on creativity. I have found that my fear of releasing something that is "half-baked," not perfect, and unimpressive has held me back from completing my project. I've been afraid to put something in the world that might make a fool of me to people I admire, my friends, and family, and I have used perfectionism as a crutch to avoid showing my work in progress. This year, I am challenging myself to work with a mentor who is successful in this field to push me out of my comfort zone and get something produced on stage.
Perfectionism is an obstacle that needs to be overcome if one wants to unleash their creative potential. The most important step is to not be afraid of not being perfect and embrace the idea that it is okay to make mistakes. Instead of focusing on perfection, focus on gaining experience and learning through the process. With this mindset, we can overcome the fear that is holding us back and start to actively participate in our creative pursuits.
Balancing Creativity and Making Money
In the section "Your Day Job", the author emphasises the importance of having a day job while pursuing a creative passion. Gilbert argues that placing too much financial pressure on one's creative work can lead to resentment, anxiety and in some cases, even the abandoning of the creative pursuit altogether.
She advocates for maintaining a balance between having a well-paying job and pursuing one's art for love, rather than money. The idea is that having a steady source of income allows one the freedom to engage in creative pursuits without the added pressure of needing to make money from it.
This approach is supported by Derek Sivers, in his article "How to Do What You Love and Make Good Money", who believes that having a well-paying job and pursuing one's art as a hobby rather than a career can lead to a happy and fulfilled life. He argues that having a balance between stability and uncertainty, money and expression is essential for happiness and that each half of your life can be a remedy for the other.
Both Gilbert and Sivers agree that having a financial safety net that allows you to pursue your creative passions without feeling like you have to monetise them will lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling creative experience. As Gilbert puts it: "I maintained alternative streams of income so that, when my inspiration wasn’t flowing, I could say to it reassuringly, “No worries, mate. Just take your time. I’m here whenever you’re ready.” I was always willing to work hard so that my creativity could play lightly. In so doing,
Balancing financial needs with creative passions is something that I still struggle with. I'm a very all or nothing person, and balance is something I'm working on. I have found myself at times financially insecure and let me tell you, the idea that good art is only made by struggling artists is a total myth. Financial insecurity is utterly paralysing. Several years ago, I got a job, a proper J.O.B., doing something I really didn't want to do, but the freedom it gave me was unreal. The stress that fled my body was replaced with inspiration, motivation, and ease.
Fear is Boring
Fear is a common obstacle that can hold us back from unlocking our full creative potential. . Recognizing that our fear is not unique can help us avoid making it a foundation of our identity. As Elizabeth Gilbert puts it, “Fear is Boring” Instead, we should focus on the originality and creativity that lies within us, and not let fear hold us back from tapping into it.
Self-talk plays a powerful role in shaping our potential, as it can make or break it. People without confidence often hide away from the opportunities they need to make it in life. Their daily actions become a cycle of choices that makes it even harder to step outside their comfort zones.
Confidence is an inside job, it comes from within. To conquer a negative self-image, be more compassionate to yourself first. Don’t be too critical of yourself if you don’t meet your expectations. Give yourself a positive-self esteem challenge, write down every negative belief you think is true about yourself and write down positive new habits you can start that will help you overcome them. Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with forgiveness and new routines, behaviours and actions. Recognise what you’re good at, a gratitude journal can make a huge difference. It is important to remind ourselves of everything good in our life and make optimism a way of life.
Brendon Burchard suggests that in a difficult situation, we should take the next right action of integrity for us. Whatever that is, speak up for yourself, take that step, and move towards that dream. By taking that next right action of integrity we can confront
The Creative Paradox
Embracing the central paradox of creative living, as outlined by Elizabeth Gilbert, can be a powerful tool in unlocking your full creative potential. Gilbert argues that to live artistically, creative expression must be the most important thing in the world to the artist. However, to live sanely, this same expression must not matter at all. This paradox requires a balance of both dedication and detachment, allowing the artist to be fully committed to their creative expression while also being willing to let it go and move on if necessary.
One way to approach this paradox is through self-awareness. By understanding that there will be moments when you need to shift from full commitment to your art to be willing to let it go, you can become more comfortable with the dynamic nature of the creative process. This also allows for a level of flexibility and freedom in your work, freeing you from the pressure of trying to make it meet some external standard of importance or significance.
Practising self-awareness can also help you to become more comfortable with the central paradox and to fully embrace your creative potential. Building space in your mind for this idea and going deep within that space to make whatever you want to make without any outside pressures or expectations can be empowering. Remember that ultimately, your art is nobody's business but your own. By embracing the central paradox, you can allow it to help you unlock your full potential as a creator.
Tom Waits, as a songwriter, illustrates the importance of approaching the creative process with both intensity and detachment. He cares deeply about his work, striving to make it the best it can be, but he also recognises that sometimes the most obstinate songs will never see the light of day. Instead of becoming bogged down in disappointment or frustration, Waits has learned to let go and trust that the right ideas will come to him at the right time. This understanding of the creative process can be applied to any form of artistic expression. Instead of becoming fixated on the outcome, focus on the process itself and let go of the need for perfection. This allows you to unlock your full creative potential and enjoy the process of creating.
Pigeonholing
In the section "Pigeonholing”, the author explores the idea that people will often try to put others into boxes or labels based on their creative abilities. Gilbert argues that these labels and distinctions are not only subjective and arbitrary but also often unimportant in the grand scheme of things. The most important thing is for individuals to continue making the art that they want to make, without worrying about what others may say or think about it.
Gilbert notes that it is easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, where we constantly compare ourselves to others and their level of success or "genius" in their craft. However, these comparisons are not only unhelpful but can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of motivation to create. It's important to remember that creativity is not a competition, and the only comparison that matters is the one between who we are today and who we want to become.
Pigeonholing is also a trap that we may fall into when we are trying to make sense of our creative potential. We may feel that we need to fit ourselves into a certain category or label to make sense of our abilities and pursuits. However, creativity is not limited to a specific genre or category, and it is important to not limit ourselves to a specific label or box.
By not getting caught up in the idea of "high art" and "low art", "genius" and "hobbyist", or any other distinction, we can free ourselves from the weight of these labels and focus on creating the work that brings us joy and fulfilment. Gilbert encourages readers to not be too hard on themselves and to not let others' opinions define them or their work. We all have unique talents and abilities and it's important to not compare ourselves to others or put ourselves in a box. It's important to remember that pigeonholing is something that others do to make sense of the world, and it's not our responsibility to fit into those labels or to seek validation from others. Instead, we should focus on creating and not worry about what others might think or say about it. In this way, we can avoid getting bogged down by labels and focus on the act of creating and the joy and fulfilment it brings us. As W. C. Fields once said, "It ain’t what they call you; it’s what you answer to." And the best answer is to simply keep doing your thing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights for anyone looking to unlock their full creative potential. The book offers valuable tips and strategies for overcoming the obstacles that can hold us back from embracing our creativity, such as perfectionism, fear and pigeonholing. By understanding the contradictions and paradoxes of the creative process, we can learn to approach our work with a sense of joy and lightness, and ultimately, become more confident and fulfilled creators.
If you want to read it for yourself, Big Magic is an incredibly inspiring and enlightening read that will help you navigate the path to unleashing your creativity. It is so much more than this blog post can contain. You can find it here.
By following the advice and perspectives provided in the book and this blog post, you can overcome the obstacles that are holding you back, and learn to tap into the creative potential that lies within you. Now is the time to pursue your creative passions and make the work that brings you joy and fulfilment.
Embrace the fear and uncertainty, let go of perfectionism and embrace the idea that it's okay to make mistakes. Remember, pigeonholing yourself is pointless and not necessary, just make the work that is meant to be made, it's not about what others think of you, but how much you love your work. So, let's pledge ourselves, to unlock our full creative potential, and to always continue making art.
