[box options]Editor by profession, writer by heart and baby corn hater by choice, Todd Foley contacted me recently for an interview. After blushing slightly at the thought of typing words out and submitting them to an editor, I sent him some responses to his thought-provoking questions. You can find the interview here. Make sure you check out Todd’s other writings while you’re on his blog![/box]
“I’m just not creative.”
My first thought: how dare you say that.
Here’s what just happened in that short interchange…
- You had an idea.
- You listened to the idea.
- You formed that idea into a cohesive thought you desired to communicate.
- You chose words to say to communicate the thought.
- You said the words, carefully emphasizing certain syllables to share your message.
And you’re not creative?
It’s a lie.
Judas Style Creativity
Remember Judas?
He was the guy who betrayed his beliefs. Some would say he never believed in the first place. Regardless, he was double-minded.
What about us?
If we say we’re not creative, we’re double minded.
Everyone is creative…
Some just don’t know it yet.
Some are just afraid of their potential.
And some just don’t want to put in the work.
That’s Judas style creativity.
From Judas to Proselytizer
Instead of denial, why not believe?
Why not go all in?
Why not say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no.’
“I can’t” becomes “I can.”
“I’ll try” transforms to “I will.”
“Someday I’d like to” flips to “here’s what I’m doing now.“
And then encourage others to do the same. Be a creativity proselytizer.
Nice! “Creativity Proselytizer”- I’m digging that title.
You can steal it. It’s yours.
Fantastic allusion between Judas and everyday creativity. Thanks for sharing this, Andrew, and for sharing your insights with the interview as well!
Thanks for the opportunity Todd!
Kind of reminds me of what Jeff Goins is saying in his new book. You are a writer….so do it.
I haven’t read it yet. Glad the same message is ‘in the air’ right now!
Amen!!! I believe everyone has the potential to be creative but for some people it’s buried. It’s within our life but we just need to dig it up and put it to practice.
Wonderful post!!!
Go for it Dan.
We were created in the image of God – the ultimate Creator, so we are creative. To say we aren’t creative is to say we aren’t made in the image of God.
We could also insert a little ‘doubting Thomas’ analogy as well, right?!
Great advice *and* a good kick in the pants! Thanks!
Thanks, as always, for dropping by Michelle!