Creativity
by Lael Johnson · updated 2h ago
Creativity
by Lael Johnson · updated 2h ago
Another idea if you want to push against the mental pressure that kills good ideas, from Paul Graham’s recent essay on how to do good work: “One way to do that is to ask what would be good ideas for someone else to explore. Then your subconscious won't shoot them down to protect you.” I don’t know of anyone using this technique, but it might work.
Lael Johnson added 6h ago
What solitude gives you is an opportunity to study what personal curiosity feels like in its undiluted form, free from the interference of other considerations. Being familiar with the character of this feeling makes it easier to recognize if you are reacting to the potential in the work you are doing in a genuinely personal way, or if you are givi
... See moreLael Johnson added 6h ago
Even if you know what it feels like to be completely open to where your curiosity wants you to go, like Grothendieck, it is a fragile state. It often takes considerable work to keep the creative state from collapsing, especially as your work becomes successful and the social expectations mount. When I listen to interviews with creative people or re
... See moreLael Johnson added 6h ago
Lael Johnson added 6h ago
Don’t waste time worrying about missing opportunities. Worry about not being in a place that attracts opportunities. If you are at the wrong bus station—every bus is the wrong bus.[8]
Lael Johnson added 7d ago
Lael Johnson added 10d ago
Lael Johnson added 11d ago
Lael Johnson added 12d ago
By using some of these collected phenomena bubbling in your head, you will have a book that has your stamp on it and is unlike any other. When I’m working with clients, I tell them to temporarily put aside considerations of others and of worldly success, and I ask that they make a list. What kind of list? It’s an inventory of everything that fascin
... See moreLael Johnson added 12d ago