Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Monday 12th October 2009 | 22 comments
A few weeks ago, I did a presentation for about 180 people. It went well, and I received some great feedback on the day as well as some solid bookings for paid work. (I like that...)
Last week, the 'official' feedback arrived from the organisers. Of the 41 comments on the list, 40 were most gratifying (not counting 4 references to the room being too cold, which I feel entitled to ignore...)
Of course, though, I went straight to the one negative comment, as we do. This person said, 'Reminder of what not to do. Don't stifle the creativity with fear.'
Now, it is true that I was quite nervous for the first few minutes of the presentation. I am fundamentally an introvert and presenting to large groups will never come naturally to me. But I am also really passionate about sharing my ideas, and after years of presenting, I almost always feel completely comfortable. I gave a similar presentation the week before this one, and another a few days ago, for both of which I was quite relaxed the whole time. But every now and then, not sure exactly why, the nerves rise up and my voice goes a bit wobbly to start. My NIDA breathing exercises help, so do various things I tell myself, but occasionally that's just how it is, and is probably how it always will be.
And that's fine by me.
None of this is of the slightest interest to anyone else, except for this one thing: As far as creativity goes, my negative commenter was quite wrong. You can't stifle creativity with fear, as such. The only way you can stifle creativity with fear, is by giving in to the fear, by not daring to express yourself because you might look foolish, or it might not work out as you planned, or people may laugh, or you might fail, or...
Fear is part and parcel of creative work, as is failure - they are the twin 'F' words of innovation. The biggest challenge in creative work is not the challenge of coming up with good ideas - most of us have ideas to spare. It is actually having the courage to put those ideas (or even one of them) into action.
And that's because action is scary, and it can lead to failure or even ridicule from less adventurous souls. (Fellow creatives never ridicule creative attempts, they know better.) Some experts estimate that of every 20 ideas you have, one might be a winner. Others say it is more like 1 in 100 or even 1 in 1000. Doesn't really matter which, the fact is that you are guaranteed to fail at least some of the time when you try new stuff, that's just how it is.
But it would be far worse to live out this Thoreau prediction: 'Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them'.
Most men, maybe, but not this woman.
I intend to keep trying and failing, and trying, and failing. So if you see me presenting and I am a bit wobbly, or I write a blog post that doesn't quite work, you can choose to notice the failure, or the wobbly edges, that's your call.
Or, will you join me on the edge, instead?
Tags: thinking, creativity, failure, fear
Wonderful and inspirational story. Thank you for writing and sharing it. More power to you!
Thanks! More power to all who play in the creative space, I say!
Well written and thought out. And, as a speaker and comedian, I can relate to what you're talking about.
Thanks Graeme, I'm sure you have tales from the front too - it's part of the territory, really...Though I would never be able to do what you do, fantastic.
Great story Joanna. I was at the presentation and the comment surprises me - I wouldn't have picked your wobbly voice at all! I thought you were fabulous but I do love the way you've addressed this comment. It is far more courageous of you to do what is challenging than to shrink away from it...and even more so that you're willing to share this story so honestly.
It's tempting to go straight for the negative feedback, I know I do. But you've turned it into an insightful reflection on what it means to be creative. I really like your approach, Joanna. I look forward to more of your ruminations.
Interesting.... I didn't take that comment as negative about your presentation (which I, too, observed first hand). I considered it that person's "take away" from your presentation. That he/she should not let fear stifle his/her creativity. I'm a glass half-full sort of girl....
Thanks for these responses; great to see a discussion about this stuff!
Joyce Carol Oats: I believe that art is the highest expression of the human spirit.
thanks for publishing the story.....There is this yearning on all of us...
Astrid McCormick
Good on you, Joanna. Another searingly honest post, hot from your soul. I see you now have a queue of admirers. Proper thing too! I'm very happy to take a number... :)
Great post Joanna, through those wobbles we realise we all still have something to learn even as we teach. Regards Roisin aka CreativeDynamix
I love your positivity Joanna; this is inspiring stuff
A wonderful piece of writing Joanna. A joy to read and one that reminds me of a quote "Feel the fear and do it anyway".
Thank you for all these wonderful comments, great to have them - and great to talk openly about creative work like this. Feel the fear and do it anyway, indeed...
Great post. Reminds me of my new motto: "Speak your mind, even though your voice shakes." - (a quote from a college student, winner of an achievement award from a women's magazine)
I like your new motto, June:
"Speak your mind, even though your voice shakes."
I might even borrow it myself!
Hi Joanna, I enjoyed your piece. My favourite Winston Churchill quote is "Success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm." It is always good to see hickups as part of a journey. One that is so much more fulfilling than just sitting by. Thanks once again.
Love the Winston Churchill quote, Carly, thanks. And yes, much more fulfilling this way!
Hi Joanna, great post. It's of course useful to recognise how we can improve on ourselves ...something creative types seem to have a knack for noticing. Though just as important and often harder to acknowledge is the job well done.
Thanks Ensha, great comment. Yes, acknowledging our own good work is sometimes the hardest thing, isn't it? I remember something Virginia Woolf said about how the writer's job is to write the best they can, but only the world can judge your work - so don't worry about that bit. Quite comforting sometimes (except of course when the world judges you harshly...)
If you feel the wobbles, at least you know you are still alive and kicking. When a member of Toastmasters I felt the wobbles often, and there was one member who seemed to delight in trying to bring me down - only I never let him! Sounds like you won't either.
Thanks Gai, yes indeed! Go the wobbly ones, I say (a statement that is true for me in more ways than one...)