inspiration – Andrew Zahn

The Wisdom in Being Foolish

What do explorers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors have in common with artists?

They’re fear-free, inspirational risk takers.

Chances are, if we aren’t taking risks in our creative work, we’re being held captive by the fear of looking foolish.

The Fool On the Hill... — Heartlover1717 via Compfight

Foolish is Smart

Picasso and Monet: though many said their paintings were garbage, they’re now regarded as premier artists of their time, reframing how we look at painting.

Foolish is Free

It costs nothing but a dent to your dignity to be foolish.

Foolish is Fun

Mantra: I will be silly and bring joy to my creative work, giving life and inspiration those who enjoy it. (Tweet this)

Dare to be silly.

Foolish is Freedom

Creativity that ends with me, isn’t very creative at all. Creativity inspires.

Your fear-free creating will help others to break free from the contraints of the rational, the predictable, the boring.

Push the limits. Dare to be foolish in your work today and see what you may discover…or uncover.

Creativity, Rule Breaking, and Growing Down

Mastering the art of when to break and not break the rules is a never-ending exercise in creativity. As creatives, we live with the privilege of learning that tightrope walk.

Today’s my birthday.

I’m 36.

I used my birthday money to buy this…

Yes, it’s a remote control toy helicopter.

Yes, I’ve played with it a lot.

Yes, it’s amazing.

Some justification. A friend posted a quote on my Facebook Page today by Chili Davis, a Major League baseball player: “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.” Chili Davis.

Chili? His name is Chili. No, for serious. I checked it. It’s for real.

So yeah, I’m just following Chili’s advice. (Said that in my head a few times… “I’m just following Chili’s advice.”) I’m gonna break a few rules, make a few, and keep a few rules this year to keep my creative juices growing.

~I’ll do my best work this year rather than rest on my laurels.

~I’ll learn what my ‘my laurels’ are.

~I’ll love better.

~I’ll keep rules, break rules, and sometimes make my own rules.

~I’ll live like a disciplined rebel with a cause.

~I’ll not just dream about ideas; I’ll do the dream, and take the steps to see the idea grow into a reality.

~I’ll explore like a toddler, dream like an adolescent, and work like a ‘responsible’ adult.

Today may or may not be your birthday, but we can always focus, define, and set the tone for our lives as we walk that creativity tightrope.

How are you growing down, growing up, and keeping the balance of rule keeping and rule breaking?

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