Thursday, September 13, 2012

All right, John Cleese, I think I’m pickin’ up what you’re layin’ down…


Throughout his 35-minute video, I picked up on some pretty interesting and important recommendations and suggestions John Cleese spit out on how to be creative. So, here it goes: it’s a heck of a lot easier to tell someone how to be creative than it is to actually be creative, and you don’t have to be senselessly smart to do so. At the same time, it’s easier to open up to creativity when working with a group of people rather than by oneself. Creativity doesn’t have to have an explanation or structure, and it can practically stem from anywhere. A person doesn’t have to be talented to be creative; it’s just a way of being, of operating. The most creative types of people are typically those who keep their minds on the subjects they’re thinking about and are open to letting creativity naturally happen. Negativity doesn’t bother this type of person and they run with their intuition. To become creative quickly, Cleese suggested that a person must be in an “open-minded” mode, rather than closed, and the gateway to doing so is by:
1.     Having a space that’s quiet and undisturbed.
2.     Having a time to start and stop being creative.
3.     Having time to stick out the problem.
4.     Having the confidence to not fear mistakes.
5.     Having a sense of humor: it’s essential.

Overall, I agree with Mr. Cleese. I firmly believe that if a person wants to be creative, they absolutely have the power to do so, and they can’t be afraid of the naysayers or think that their ideas aren’t good enough. Spontaneity is key and it’s okay to step away from the beaten path and do things in a completely new way. Working with others and spit-balling ideas most definitely helps create new ways of thinking, and a lot of times those ideas can be combined. So, if anyone were to want my advice I’d say this: Do things your way. Who cares if not everyone agrees with your ideas and bad things are said about it? That’s, well, life, and not everyone is going to like you or your points of view all of the time. Take a chance; if your idea is shut down, at least you can say you tried and didn’t just stand on the sidelines. Lastly, I’d say don’t wait. I’m going to be really cliché and state that life is short, but it’s the truth. If you come up with something you feel is brilliant, why not share it with the world?
Go ahead, let that creativity happen. 

2 comments:

  1. The five suggestions that John Cleese informed us about is a great way to become creative, i thought i couldn't be creative and i didn't think i was creative, but when i took Cleese's advise, i realized i am creative and that felt great to me. Doing things you're own way is a perfect way to describe being creative and to have creativity. Most importantly not letting anyones opinions bother you is another important thing to remember when it comes to creativity. Let your mind wonder and let the creativity flow with no cares.

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  2. I agree with your ideas on creativity. Being creative can be effective in groups where people can build on each other’s ideas. I feel that being around creative people generates more creativity in everyone, it’s almost contagious. Everyone has potential to be creative, but it seems to come easier when your around a more diverse group of people.

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