Code breaker: tenets for a creative life

Everyone needs a code to live by.

In the course of my career, I’ve discovered ten rules for creative business (I’m aware that the list below contains eleven, but the last one is a bonus). Whenever I’ve adhered to them, work has soared, and things have often turned out better than expected. I hope they help you with whatever you’re trying to get done this week.

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1. Be an optimist.

You have to believe that you are going to have an impact and make the world a better place. Energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

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2. Remove the headphones.

The world is full of inspiration. Listen.

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3. Mix with the best.

Great thinkers congregate, learn from each other and get inspired.

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4. Read shit.

Read good things in the hope it will rub off. Also, read outside your discipline to give yourself an unexpected advantage.

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5. Respect your ego.

Ego is “I”, your sense of belief, your opinion. Don’t allow this to become “hubris”. This is when your self-importance is too high.

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6. Respect, don’t revere.

Admire ideas, not people. The former don’t let you down.

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7. Constantly question.

Children are restless and constantly questioning. This is how their knowledge expands. Don’t be afraid to ask the unusual question. It will expand your knowledge.

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8. Embrace juxtaposition.

It will dramatize your message and encourage your audience to question ‘why?’.

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9. Never exclude.

Creativity is an expression of self. Make sure you have as many different people in the room as possible.

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10. Be inspired by beauty.

Everyday beauty is all around you – just look for it. It will lift your creative spirit.

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11. There are no rules.

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