The cosmic dance of creativity

No.204: 8th July 2024

Hi, it’s David here.

This week’s School of Athens newsletter is written by Global Creative Strategy Director, Ishmael "Ish" Abrokwa.

Ish explores the ephemeral nature of ideas, the power of execution, and the urgency to act upon our creative potential. If you don’t, someone else just might…

As always, curious to hear what you think.

David Alberts

Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer at BeenThereDoneThat

Hi, it’s Ishmael here.

In the vast universe, ideas float freely like stars in the night sky. They sparkle with potential, waiting for someone to bring them to life. There’s an unspoken truth among creators: the moment you think of or share a creative idea, it’s as if the universe starts ticking, ready to give your idea to the next person who can make it happen. This cosmic dance of creativity means executing your ideas quickly becomes a race against time and chance.

This isn’t just a romantic metaphor but a practical observation. History is full of instances where inventions and creations emerged at the same time from different people. Think about the telephone, independently invented by Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray, or the theory of evolution, developed by both Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. These examples teach us that the universe rewards those who act on their ideas with urgency and determination.?

The universe’s role in this process is both a helper and a competitor. It offers abundant inspiration, whispering creative possibilities to those who listen. However, it also nudges these ideas into the public domain, allowing anyone with the vision and drive to bring them to life. When an idea is born, it starts looking for its creator–someone who will nourish it, shape it, and share it with the world.?

This shouldn’t be a source of anxiety but a motivation to act. Creativity isn’t a limited resource to be hoarded but a dynamic force to be used. Each of us has a unique perspective, a distinct voice that can bring an idea to life in ways no one else can. But this individuality only finds expression through action. An idea, no matter how brilliant, remains inert without the courage and commitment to make it real.?

The process of execution is where the true magic happens. It’s where the raw energy of inspiration meets the discipline of craftsmanship. It’s where ideas are tested, refined, and polished. It’s where the abstract becomes tangible, and the temporary gains permanence. In this journey from concept to creation, we discover the depth of our potential and the breadth of our impact.?

To execute an idea is to engage in a dialogue with the universe. It’s a declaration of intent, a bold statement that you are ready to contribute your unique perspective to the collective tapestry of human creativity. It requires overcoming doubt, fear of failure, and procrastination. It demands resilience, resourcefulness and relentless pursuit.?

So, what can we do to ensure our ideas don’t slip through our fingers and into the hands of others??

1. Cultivate a sense of urgency: Recognize that every moment counts and that the window of opportunity can close quickly.

2. Embrace imperfection: Start where you are, with what you have, and let the process guide you toward improvement.

3. Build a habit of execution: Make it a daily practice to move your ideas forward, even if only by small steps.?

In the grand scheme of the universe, our time here is fleeting. Our ideas, however, have the potential to outlive us and become part of the enduring legacy of human ingenuity. By executing our ideas with passion and purpose, we not only fulfill our creative potential but also contribute to the ever-evolving story of our collective existence.

Don’t let the universe steal your ideas–act on them, and leave an indelible mark on the cosmos.

Ishmael “Ish” Abrokwa

Global Creative Strategy Director and Member of the BeenThereDoneThat Expert Network

Supporting Articles

1. The Creative Act: A Way of Being?

2. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

3. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

4. Creative Quest?

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