The Importance of Permission in Creativity
Channel: John Spencer
Date: 2016-03-13

What if we viewed failure as a legitimate possibility? What if we viewed projects as experiments and mistakes as iterations? If you enjoy this video, please subscribe at http://bit.ly/spencervideos

Transcript: So, I have this sticky note by my computer and it's the same note that I have taped onto my journal and pinned to the cork board in my office.  It reads, "This could fail." This could fail. This could fail. I know it sounds negative and maybe even pessimistic. But, actually, it's the opposite. 
For me, "this could fail" is a reminder that every single creative act is an experiment. 

It might work. It might fail. 

But if it fails, it doesn't make me a failure as an artist or a writer or a teacher. 

Because every failure is another step closer to success.

But it's more than simply a do-over card. 

It's also a clarion call to take creative risks. It's a reminder to write blog posts even when I'm not sure what my audience will think. It's a reminder to sketch these videos even when I don't feel like a "real" artist.  It's a reminder to keep working on a novel, even when I'm afraid it won't turn out right.

Sure, I could take the safe route. But I'd rather take a plunge into the creative unknown. I'd rather do things that are challenging. 

Because ultimately that's where the creative life is found.