There are a lot of myths around creativity, and most of them dampen the creative impulse – for example, the myth of “genius.”
No one can really explain what the label of “creative genius” means exactly, but it’s something like talent… multiplied by a hundred. Or simply being a very successful, famous person in a creative/arts related profession.
“Talent” is a muddy enough concept as it is, “creative genius” even more so. And since when is fame or earning power a reflection of quality and originality? But I digress…
The trouble is, people often use this label to put themselves down in comparison. As in, “well, you know I dabbled in painting, but I could never touch a genius like Picasso” or “I wanted to make films when I was a kid, but I see a creative genius like Spielberg… and I say, what was I thinking!”
They believe “genius” is some sort of quazi-mystical idea of creativity, that the gods have blessed certain special individuals with “genius” and you are not among them. That genius simply “is” or “isn’t.”
Well let me break it down for you – the only difference between you and these “geniuses” is their level of commitment. They both began practicing their craft as children, and they never stopped. They put mastering their craft above all other things, and sacrificed a lot to be as great as they possibly could with their work, while everyone else dabbled, trifled and quit when something easier came along.
Genius, is a sort of relentless obsession – that over time results in mastery.
So to put an end to the myth, I don’t believe in a magical genius fairy that blesses some babies at random but leaves everyone else out of luck. Unless she blesses them with one heck of a work ethic, since the “geniuses” work longer and harder than anyone else.
Whether you’re willing to put the time in, and commit to your work as unequivocally as the creative geniuses of the world have, is strictly up to you. Just don’t chalk up their skill and success to a roll of the dice. Not only does that fail to give them proper credit for their dedication, but it disempowers you of the opportunity to do the same.
ariawrites 