Thinking Creativity
Just Do It...Badly
I have been fortunate to work with and observe many types of creative people in my career, and it’s clear to me that we have one characteristic in common: We are all tone deaf to our own creativity.
Whether it is art, writing, design, building, or another creative endeavor, when we evaluate our own creative product -- especially early in the process -- it’s usually not a favorable evaluation. And when we measure our own product against that of others, our work suffers by comparison. I’ve seen it happen with my creative friends and I’ve experienced it myself.
The fear of being judged and found lacking by society, our colleagues, or others, can prevent us from expressing our creativity. To outwit the internal commentator that criticizes each time we begin to create, instead of trying for a masterpiece, allow yourself to just do it badly.
I’ve never been one to write to an outline, in spite of the many teachers who have urged the technique. If I try to write in the perfect, linear fashion, with nice, neat transitions, it is a laborious, painful, and often fruitless process. On the other hand, if I let myself follow my natural tendency to write in a messy, circular, jumbled process without expecting linear transitions or the perfect words, I eventually write my way to a product I can point to with pride.
Doing it badly means forging ahead without worrying about the outcome. It’s a bit like sticking your tongue out at the perfection ogre.
Shannon Bradford
is a writer and coach, helping people learn how to master their
brains to succeed in their careers and businesses. She is the author
of Brain Power (Wiley, 2002).
© 2004 Shannon Bradford
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