Unclog your creativity

Intellectual Banter: Episode #11

If you’re new or missed the last edition, catch up here. Also, hello! Thank you for giving me your time, I appreciate it.

In case you’re a first-time reader, consider subscribing. I share thoughts on living well in the modern age, lessons learnt from writing online and being a first time creator, as well as the occasional rant.

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What’s up folks!

I see 10 new faces (not really) here this week. Welcome!

It’s surreal to me that over 2 months ago, this newsletter didn’t exist. Now we have a small, growing tribe of 131 curious folks. Spectacular!

Writing online is a wondrous thing. But what if you don’t identify as a “writer”?

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On my mind

I’ve never identified as a creative person.

Sure, I doodled a bit here and there as a child. And I enjoy cooking from time to time. But never a “serious”, balls-to-the-walls creative. One that consistently creates anything (except excuses).

So I was apprehensive when I decided to quit my job last November to pursue writing online. “What the fuck was I even going to write about?”

6 months in, I’ve understood that creativity is not something you have but something you uncover.

We’re all creative. You have the “big three” required to be so: a brain (who knew), information consumption and the ability to imagine.

The problem is that you’ve never taken the time to explore and express it.

I now view creative writing as an act where the words flow through you rather than from you. You’re a medium to express ideas, not the generator of said ideas. Starting from zero, I've built a tiny portfolio of writing. It’s alright and most of the ideas are borrowed from people smarter than me. I’ve consumed them, let them marinate in my head and expressed them to the extent of my skill.

Anything “good” I've written till now has come from wading through the sludge of my lethargic thinking.

Most importantly, I’ve given myself permission to create junk in the process. It’s helped me stick with the writing, without pulling my hair out. I don’t do it intentionally or aim to be sloppy. 

But I don’t polish my pieces to death (their or mine).

The goal is to be prolific, not perfect. And iterate along the way. Improvement becomes a natural byproduct then.

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Something Julian wrote

Want to create world class writing? (or anything for that matter)

Annoyed that all you come up with are “mediocre” ideas? That you borrow from “original” creators?

It’s not your fault, we’ve all been there. Instead of thinking “I can’t do this” and giving up, try thinking of it like opening up a clogged pipe.

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Un-chuckle worthy quote

“The goal isn’t to get good ideas; the goal is to get bad ideas. Because once you get enough bad ideas, then some good ones have to show up.” - Seth Godin

Persistence is an underrated skill in today’s world.

Everyone wants what they want RIGHT NOW, without any effort, while stuffing pepperoni pizza and binging Netflix. Used to be me, so I know.

So stop thinking when the “good ideas” will show up. Instead show up and play the game. Stack the odds in your favor with each turn.

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Topping off another week of unclogging my creativity

I wrote 40 tweets, 2 threads and this email this week.

I’ve recently picked up the pace. The goal is to explore more ideas faster and also find a sustainable cadence. Let’s see what the limits of my thinking and writing look like.

What are you unclogging this week?

Till next time,

Adi

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PS: This was more focused on creativity (and writing) than my earlier editions. What do you think? I’m curious to know as my discovery process is perpetually ongoing.

Suggestions are always welcome. I love banter (duh), so ‌hit that reply button, comment on the website or book a call if you want to chat! I’d love to hear from you.