Rick Rubin's 11 Golden Rules For Unleashing Your Inner Creative Genius

Follow These Proven Strategies To Overcome Creative Blocks, Embrace Your Unique Voice, And Achieve Lasting Success.

"Don't be afraid to make art that is different from what everyone else is making. It's okay if your work doesn't make sense to anyone else, as long as it makes sense to you. "

– Rick Rubin

With the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence), you are at the risk of killing what makes you human after all: your creativity.

And if there is one person who has mastered creativity in our era, it is Rick Rubin.

Who is Rick Rubin?

“Frederick Jay Rubin (/?ru?b?n/, ROO-bin; born March 10, 1963) is an American record producer. He is a co-founder (alongside Russell Simmons) of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records.”

Source: Rick Rubin - Wikipedia (2024, October 1).

And no, I am not saying that you should ignore AI.?

On the contrary.?

Learn how to speak to it.?

Learn how to harness its powers.?

Learn how to make it your assistant on steroids.

In the not-so-distant future, human crafts and real-life experiences will be the nectar of the wealthy.?

AI will be everywhere. It will be like the air we breathe. It will be essential to humanity. It will be everywhere. Yet, it will be invisible and accessible to everyone for free.?

Human creativity will be the most valuable asset in the rise of AI.

And here are 11 lessons from Rick to protect your creative soul:

1. Be authentic to yourself.

2. Be open to new possibilities.

3. Don't be afraid to be different.

4. Focus on the process, not the outcome.?

5. Don't let your job get in the way of your purpose.

6. Don't expect outward success to bring you happiness.

7. Continuously evolve and push boundaries.?

8. Be obsessive in your pursuit of your craft.?

9. Don't compare yourself to others.?

10. Don't let criticism get to you.

11. Embrace your imperfections.

Let’s dive right in.?

1. Be Authentic To Yourself

"The most important thing is to be yourself. If you're not true to yourself, you won't be true to your art."?

– Rick Rubin

Welcome to my world if you are lost in translation, fear judgment, or struggle to find your voice.

I have been there. I have had impostor syndrome. I used to seek other people’s validation.?

Don’t try to fit in.?

Experiment.?

Fail.?

Learn.?

Explore your passions, create different things, and listen to your inner voice.

You are the universe at scale.?

Create.?

Iterate.?

Improve.

2. Be Open To New Possibilities

"Creativity is about saying 'yes' to the unknown."

– Rick Rubin

Fear of the unknown? I have been there.?

Resistance to change? I have been there.?

Sticking to the familiar? I have been there also.

Your comfort zone? Yes, it's a tremendous dead zone. Trust me, I have lived there. Do you know what never grows in that area? Seeds of opportunity. But the weeds of stagnation love it there.

Everything great in life happens in your discomfort zone. Your fears, mistakes, and willingness to embrace new challenges build the bridge to new possibilities.

3. Don't Be Afraid To Be Different

"Don't try to fit in. Stand out."?

– Rick Rubin

Feel like a Lego piece? Trying to fit in deadly? Conforming to the narrow spot of societal expectations?

I can feel you.

You always compromise your values.?

You always feel like an outsider.?

You have broken up with your authentic self.

Your quirks are your uniqueness. Norms are meant to be broken. Stand out, and there is no other way out.

Be a beacon of light for others, starting with you.?

4. Focus On The Process, Not The Outcome

"Don't get caught up in the outcome. Enjoy the process of creation."?

– Rick Rubin

You eat short-term thinking at breakfast.?

You have lunch with your fear of failure.?

You have dinner with your obsession with perfection.?

That used to be my diet, also.

You hate any creative process. Anxiety crushes you. You are stressed while breathing the air of burnout.?

Joy is in the journey. You own the process. The outcome is rented and not guaranteed.?

Other people’s expectations are none of your business.?

Don’t be crippled by the gap to the destination.?

Celebrate the gain compared to where you were yesterday.

5. Don't Let Your Job Get In The Way Of Your Purpose

"Don't let your career define you. Let your purpose guide you."?

– Rick Rubin

Your 9-5 is a cubicle with its walls closing on you. You feel like a rat in a meaningless race. You are trading your passion for financial security.

I am looking the same in the mirror right now.?

You are burned out.?

You are a fool, full of resentment.?

You have never been so empty inside out.?

If possible, find a job that aligns with your values. If not, pursue your passion during your 5-9. Build walls between your work and personal life to safeguard your well-being.?

6. Don't Expect Outward Success To Bring You Happiness

"Success is not about achieving goals. It's about living a fulfilling life."?

– Rick Rubin

Your ruler for success is externally defined.?

You look for others to validate your every step.?

Your failure freezes you.?

Welcome to what used to be my world.?

You breathe in depression. You breathe out dissatisfaction. You are drowning in the Lake Unfulfillment.?

Motivation is an inside job. Be grateful for who you are, where you are, and what you have. Strive to grow in a community garden watered by meaningful relationships.?

7. Continuously Evolve And Push Boundaries

"Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. That's where the real magic happens."?

– Rick Rubin

You love hanging out with Stagnation, Complacency, and Fear. With those friends, you try to resist change.?

I used to have the same friends.?

Those three shadows are with you everywhere you go: boredom, missed opportunities, and lack of excitement.?

Outgrow your skin.?

Vary your experiences diet.?

Be a student of life.?

Shatter the mirror of your limiting beliefs. Set challenging goals. Define your “not to be” list.?

8. Be Obsessive In Your Pursuit Of Your Craft

"If you're not obsessed with your craft, you won't be great at it."?

– Rick Rubin

You are the king of procrastination.?

You are easily distracted.?

You lack self-discipline.?

That also used to be my gym routine. On some Sundays. Some months.?

You feel unfulfilled, and your self-esteem is below 0° K (Kelvin). Your progress is inconsistently constant.?

Don’t rely solely on your motivation or your Muse. Build systems. Create routines and eliminate distractions.?

Build an environment that will make you successful.?

Create it.?

Nurture it.?

Protect it.?

9. Don't Compare Yourself To Others

"Focus on your own path and ignore the noise."?

– Rick Rubin

Self-doubt is your North Star. Insecurity is your South's doubt. You feel inadequate from the East front while the wind of failure crushes you from the South border.?

Yes, I know: that is an uncomfortable place to be.?

You are on the pills of anxiety, depression, and resentment.?

Make your journey your focus.?

Harness your unfair advantages.?

Practice self-compassion.

Put social media in airplane mode.?

10. Don't Let Criticism Get To You

"Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you."?

– Rick Rubin

Perfectionism has you on a leash.?

Insecurity and self-doubt handcuff you.?

The only bars in your head are notes of fear of rejection.?

Welcome to my Prison Break show.?

You avoid others. You see any eye on you as a sight of judgment. Your engines run on anxiety and depression.?

Be your own cheerleader, and you will save your world. Develop a thick skin to become your own superhero. In any feedback signal, retain the message and discard the noise.?

You are capable.

You are enough.

You can do it.?

11. Embrace Your Imperfections.

"Perfection is the enemy of progress."?

– Rick Rubin

You inflict self-doubt on yourself.?

You rob others of the opportunity to criticize you.?

You are perfect in your fear of failure.?

Hey, Twin Sister.?

Nothing motivates you. You are the queen of preparation, planning, and procrastination. You are hooked on depression.

Your mistakes are the building blocks of the bridge to your success.?

Your flaws are the streams leading to your flow state.?

Love tha self.?

Final Thoughts

AI will be everywhere. It will be the fast food of your creativity. Everybody can have one.?

You better not digest.?

Nurture, grow, and protect your creativity by following the tips of Rick Rubin:

11. Embrace your imperfections.

10. Don't let criticism get to you.

9. Don't compare yourself to others.?

8. Be obsessive in your pursuit of your craft.?

7. Continuously evolve and push boundaries.?

6. Don't expect outward success to bring you happiness.

5. Don't let your job get in the way of your purpose.

4. Focus on the process, not the outcome.?

3. Don't be afraid to be different.

2. Be open to new possibilities.

1. Be authentic to yourself.

And let’s close the loop with one final word from Rick:

“True happiness comes from within. Follow your intuition. Pay attention to your gut feelings and intuitions, even if they don't make sense.”

Is there a better use of AI??

Yes, it is called Augmented Intelligence.

Which of these 11 lessons resonates most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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