Stay Devoted to the Discovery Process
As perpetual students, creative geniuses exhibit an extraordinary level of commitment to their craft. Knowing there is always more to learn, they remain open to new realizations.
Their unwavering commitment differentiates their “way of being” from the masses. For example, 80 percent of people in America feel that a book is inside them, waiting to be written. But how many people will work diligently on their writing? No one would pick up a brush and expect to paint a work of art. Each endeavor requires study, training and a never-ending resolve for excellence.
Although creative inspiration may arise at any moment, it favors those who have prepared for it. Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Howard Gardner notes that it takes at least ten years of consistent study/work/practice on a discipline or craft before genius surfaces, pointing to the works of Sigmund Freud, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, among others.
Creativity researcher Howard Gruber concurs: “Perhaps the single most reliable finding in our studies is that creative work takes a long time. With all due apologies to thunderbolts, creative work is not a matter of milliseconds, minutes, or even hours – but of months, years and decades.”
This intense commitment may deter the weak-at-heart from pursuing the creative process, but fear not. The lesson for mere mortals is to be patient with ourselves, nurturing our progress and whenever possible, committing more time and energy to our pursuits.
Exercise: Ask yourself, What am I committed to learning this year? Perhaps you know a few things about creative writing, gardening, painting or quantum mechanics and would like to explore these areas in greater depth. Schedule time in your calendar for personal study and practice, classes or a weekend workshop.
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Great post, Scott. I have definitely noticed one of the greatest barriers, for me, is a lack of patience…. I’ll get an inspiring hit or impulse and only after weeks of related reading, study and reflection does that insight take any meaningful shape. It definitely takes something to stick with it. Thanks for the reminder to honor all aspects of the creative process…
“Ten years of consistent study/work/practice on a discipline or craft before genius surfaces.” High Esteem has a some cost. No one get to be Michael Jordan over night.
Howard Gardner’s work has been especially helpful to me in it gave me good insights into my special gifts…my journey of self discovery. Knowing myself through my intelligences has helped me follow my passions more effectively and be more confident in them. Confidence for me has been a tremendous spark for creativity.