How to Apply the Principles of "Think Like an Artist" by Will Gompertz to Life, Career, and Business

"Think Like an Artist" is a book written by Will Gompertz, the BBC's arts editor. The book delves into the mindset, habits, and practices of artists and draws parallels to how these can be applied to everyday life and other professions. Gompertz believes that we can all learn something from artists, regardless of our careers or life paths.

Throughout the book, Gompertz discusses various traits and behaviors commonly found in artists, such as creativity, originality, resilience, and thinking outside the box. He then provides insights into how these traits can be cultivated and applied in different scenarios, whether in business, education, or personal growth.

"Think Like an Artist" is both an exploration of the artistic mindset and a self-help guide that encourages readers to embrace creativity, be innovative, and approach challenges with an open mind, much like an artist would.

Artists have long been revered for their ability to see the world differently, create beauty from nothing, and challenge the norms. But what if the secrets of the artist's mindset could be harnessed beyond the canvas? Will Gompertz, in his insightful book "Think Like an Artist," dives deep into the habits and practices of artists, uncovering lessons that we can all integrate into our daily lives, careers, and businesses.

1. Embrace Curiosity and Continuous Learning:

Artists never stop learning. Whether it's mastering a new technique or exploring a fresh theme, they're perpetually curious. Apply this to life by remaining open to new experiences, seeking knowledge, and staying informed. In business, this means evolving with market needs and being open to innovation.

2. Celebrate Originality:

Each artist brings a unique perspective to their work. In the same vein, it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate your distinctiveness. Whether it's a novel business proposition or a unique career skill, own your originality and leverage it.

3. Take Risks and Embrace Failure:

Artists often venture into the unknown, and not every creation becomes a masterpiece. In our lives and careers, it's vital to step out of our comfort zones, take calculated risks, and understand that every failure is just a stepping stone to success.

4. Collaborate and Share Ideas:

Art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Artists frequently collaborate, seeking diverse perspectives to enrich their work. Whether in a team setting at work or partnering in business, pooling collective intelligence can lead to breakthroughs.

5. Challenge the Status Quo:

Many groundbreaking art pieces were once considered scandalous or unconventional. Similarly, in business and careers, sometimes you need to break conventions, question existing systems, and bring fresh ideas to the table.

6. Find Your Passion and Commit:

Artists are deeply committed to their craft. They pursue their passion relentlessly. Whether it's a business goal or a career trajectory, find what lights your fire and commit wholeheartedly.

7. Stay Resilient:

The path of an artist is often fraught with criticism and setbacks. The key is resilience. In your career or business journey, remember to stay steadfast in the face of challenges, always learning and growing from each experience.

In Conclusion:

While at first glance the worlds of art and business might seem poles apart, Gompertz's "Think Like an Artist" beautifully bridges this gap. By adopting an artist's perspective, we can inject creativity into our professional lives, approach challenges differently, and ultimately drive innovation. Remember, we all have an inner artist waiting to be channelled – it's about time we let them paint our life's canvas.