Way, way back in the day (1998), Canadian designer Bruce Mau drafted up his Incomplete Manifesto – a kind of wish list of defiance, motivations, and invocation to the heavens. In a way, the Manifesto, now a 20-something, took on a life of its own, and is running wild and free with aspiring designers around the world. Bruce is probably wondering why the Manifesto doesn’t call so often and hopes maybe there’ll be some grandkids soon.
In the spirit of fun here’s my offering of a grandchild:
How to Grow Creatively – a Concise Change Manifesto
- Be open to change. Growth is not something that happens to you, you have to produce it.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Experiment and explore. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
- Be patient. Growth takes time.
- Have fun! Growth should be enjoyable.
Here are some specific examples of how to apply these principles:
Be open to change: If you’re always doing the same things, you’ll never grow. Try something new, even if it’s scary. Start where you are, and go hard.
Don’t be afraid to fail: Everyone fails sometimes. It’s how we learn and grow. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Come to rely on it for a creative input.
Experiment and explore: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what you might discover. Faster. Bolder. Newer.
Be patient: Growth takes time. Don’t expect to see results overnight. Patience takes courage.
Have fun! Growth should be enjoyable. If you’re not having fun, you’re less likely to stick with it. Laugh with yourself – you’re not the only person burning the midnight oil to meet a deadline. But know this too: not everyone has that level of commitment.
So, how can you apply these principles to your own life? Here are a few questions to get you started:
What are one or two things you’re afraid to try but that you know would help you grow creatively?
What are one or two new things you can experiment with in your work or personal life?
How can you make the process of growth more enjoyable for yourself?
Photo by Tyler Wanlass on Unsplash
