Who comes to mind when you think about a person who owns their creative voice? What is it about them that’s so alluring? How does their unique shine through their work? If you’re like me, you probably have a couple of artists who you look up to that made a strong desire to discover your own unique creative style!
When I was younger, it was hard for me to pin down what my creative voice would be. I definitely considered myself a jack of all trades and loved singing, writing, music, dance, drama, and even psychology. While others could pinpoint exactly what they’re style was, I was always flipping flopping between different creative avenues! It wasn’t until I discovered I could combine all the passions into arts for holistic development that my development toward a personal creative style began.
Why does it matter so much?
Human creativity is nature manifest in us.”
Ethan Hawke
Our creative voice gives our lives a whole new purpose and excitement about the world around us! You’ll see a lot of quotes and inspiration in this article from legendary actor Ethan Hawkes. You can access his insightful video ( less than 10 minutes!) on creativity here:
1. What do you miss?
“ If you get close to what you love, who are you is revealed to you and it expands.”
Ethan Hawkes
The first step in discovering your creative voice is asking yourself, what do you miss ( or what advice would you give your younger self? Jay Shetty ( Award winning podcaster, author, and former monk) encourages this line of questioning because the answer is usually the stuff we regret or the stuff we wish we were doing. Where do you find your creativity when you were younger?
It may seem simple, but this is the starting point to a journey of undiscovered skills and passions you might not have discovered yet. Trying to figure out what you love to do can be a daunting task, but it’s easier than you might think. Look around you! In your home, accent, the decor all of your home, the books and magazines piled on the shelf, even the different candles and scents you’re drawn too, and the conversations you could go on forever speaking about.
Our environment is speaking to us about our passions even if we don’t recognize them!
50 Self-Coaching Questions To Find Your Passion is also a great way to you started on asking yourself the right set of challenging questions to determining to determine what you love the most.
2. The pull of habit
We all have habits ( good and bad) that can block our journey to discovering your own creative voice ( ultimately limiting our success and self expression) I dive deeper into on The Truth On Creative Laziness ( Why Motivation Is Garbage!) with American lawyer & author, Mel Robbin’s, groundbreaking technique ” the 5 second rule.”
Ethan Hawkes says that what makes kids so effortlessly creative is they don’t have any habits, and they aren’t bothered about getting it perfectly right 100% off the time. In fact, any opportunity kids have then they’ll try to use it to impress upon you their individuality ( throw back to a singing show case for the family, anyone?) The important thing to note about discovering our creative voice is that it isn’t always warm or pleasant, it’s how we can heal each other as a community. It’s about opening up a dialogue to listen to one other and see other’s humanity ( which can only be done if you’re willing to pull those habits that might be blocking you)
3. Be willing to play the fool
“So don’t read the book that you should read, read the one you want to read. Take the time to talk to somebody you don’t normally talk to. I guarantee if you do that you will feel foolish. That’s the point. Play the fool.”
Ethan Hawkes
Jay Shetty owes his success to meeting and studying with the best of the best. When he became interested in spirituality after hearing a monk talk, he went to study under one of the most the rigorous monks. Because to really dive deep into a subject, and become the best you can be it’s vital to open yourself up to new people and experiences.
Don’t be afraid of looking stupid! When we meet new people and switch up our routine from what we would normally do, of course you’re going to be insecure and maybe even a feel bit stupid at first. Ethan Hawkes says that’s exactly the whole point!
Until next time,