I don’t know about you, but for me, right now feels like an exhilarating whirlwind of unpredictability! Each day seems to bring a new surge of chaotic energy, driven by the relentless pace of technological advancement.
Change isn't just inevitable anymore; it's a constant companion, shaping the very fabric of our lives. In our creative work life, chaos manifests around us in various forms—crazy client deadlines, conflicting project priorities, and unforeseen obstacles. If that wasn't enough, another AI app has just dropped that looks like it needs exploring, and the latest software update has crashed your computer. Yet, within this tumultuous landscape lies something undeniably beautiful—the messy, intricate tapestry of creativity itself. It's a journey marked by challenges and opportunities, where chaos, if embraced, can serve as the fuel for innovation and your evolution.
Bob Dylan once said, “Chaos is a friend of mine.” And if it comes down to it, I'd choose chaos over the mundane any day of the week!
So amidst these daily cyclones, how do we maintain our bearings? How can we stay grounded and connected amidst the chaos? How can we use it to power our creativity? Can we transform disruption into inspiration and use it to spark something remarkable?
First of all, turn obstacles into opportunities.
As a young creative, you’ve more than likely encountered your fair share of chaotic obstacles already. From stubborn creative blocks to client feedback that feels like a punch in the solar plexus and these challenges can sometimes be overwhelming, like a heavy rock resting on your shoulders. However, when you alter your thinking and view each hurdle as an opportunity in disguise rather than a roadblock, you can embrace it as a stepping stone toward your own evolution. It takes practice and a positive mindset, but the rewards are yours for the taking.
Time to change your perspective.
To help you push boundaries and break free from the current status quo, changing perspective is often required—both mentally, physically and even the creative lens you’re looking through. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature or immersing yourself in your favourite creative pastimes, changing your scenery or plunging yourself into your imagination is key. Seek inspiration from unexpected sources, explore new mediums, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. In fact, leaving your comfort zone smoking in the dust is probably the main requirement to changing both your creative and personal perspective.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical "Hamilton" is a great example of changing perspectives. While on vacation, he picked up Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton and experienced a profound change in viewpoint. Instead of seeing it as a dry historical account, he envisioned it as a groundbreaking musical that blends hip-hop with American history. This innovative idea transformed Broadway, garnered critical acclaim, and resonated with diverse audiences worldwide. Miranda’s shift in perspective and willingness to blend different genres created something truly amazing.
Courage + Vulnerability
In the creative world, whether you’re a musician, artist, designer, director, or writer, courage and vulnerability go hand in hand. It takes real guts to challenge norms and step into uncharted territory, and real vulnerability to share your authentic self with the world. If you take a deep breath and embrace both, you’ll watch your creativity flourish in totally unexpected ways. So, take the risks and make the mistakes, then learn from them. As the saying goes, fortune favours the bold—and I want to add, also the emotionally exposed.
Billie Eilish's 2019 album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" delves into themes of mental health, body image, and personal struggles with an unprecedented level of honesty. By sharing her vulnerabilities so openly, she connected deeply with her audience, earning critical acclaim and resonating with millions of listeners worldwide. It's through vulnerability that we connect with others on a deeper level and create work that resonates emotionally.
While they had the usual stress and chaos of large live public events and broadcasts, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Sydney Invictus Games remain the most fulfilling projects I've ever worked on, thanks to the incredibly worthy competitors.
Make a positive impact, for yourself and the world.
As a creative, you have immense power to make a positive impact, not just for your clients and yourself but for the world around you. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking—get out there and find them! Whether it’s advocating for causes important to you, lending your skills to local community projects, or spreading joy through your work, your impact is far-reaching if you allow it.
Take, for example, the TRASH ISLES campaign by Plastic Oceans Foundation and LadBible. They created a fictional country made entirely of the plastic waste floating in the ocean to raise awareness about plastic pollution. By applying for official country status from the United Nations, they highlighted the severity of the issue in a creative and impactful way. This campaign not only garnered significant media attention but also mobilised people worldwide to act against plastic pollution.
Additionally, campaigns like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and its recent iteration, the ALS Pepper Challenge, have shown the power of grassroots activism in raising awareness and doing good for the world. These viral campaigns, fuelled by social media, have united people from all walks of life to support important causes and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected. By harnessing creativity and innovation, creatives like you can continue to inspire positive change and leave a lasting impact on society and lessen the chaos just a little more.
Embrace it. Change it.
Finally, by seeking out collaboration, improving your flexibility and accepting imperfection you can find calm pockets in life’s storms. Working collaboratively allows for the pooling of ideas and resources, fostering innovative solutions and finding support amidst the madness. Being flexible enables you to navigate unexpected twists and turns with resilience, while allowing imperfection acknowledges that chaos often brings unexpected outcomes, which can lead to unique creative discoveries.
Embracing chaos isn't about avoiding challenges but navigating them with strength and ingenuity. It's about transforming obstacles into opportunities, pushing boundaries, stepping outside that silly comfort zone through your own courage and vulnerability. By changing perspective and by making a positive impact on other people, your own environment and perhaps even the world, you can harness the power of chaos to fuel your creativity and even drive meaningful change.
Just when you think chaos has won, that's when the real adventure begins.
Contact me
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