Category Books , Personal development , Reviews

  A manual for anyone who wants to embark on a creative journey but finds themselves paralyzed by the fear of failure, a million excuses, or the obsession with perfectionism.   This month, I dedicated myself to reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. It’s a real guide for anyone wanting to pursue a creative path, no matter what form it takes. The author doesn't only speak to artists but to anyone who dares to say "yes" to the Big Magic that can change your life if you're willing to follow your inspiration with curiosity and courage.   The author is Elizabeth Gilbert, an American journalist and writer.   Throughout the chapters, Elizabeth presents her ideas, sharing numerous anecdotes from her own life. Her writing is truly enjoyable and lively, very fluid, never redundant or repetitive. She engaged me so much that I started following her on Instagram. She’s very active on social media, and what immediately struck me was how clearly and thoroughly she communicates with her audience in her posts and videos, not to mention her face: she really conveys so much with her gaze and smile. A truly talented communicator, in my humble opinion!   There is so much to say about the book... I wouldn't even know where to start: I highlighted exactly 68 passages and quotes. I could’ve easily highlighted three-quarters of the book, so I highly recommend giving it a chance!   The author presents a very positive and especially proactive approach to life: it’s normal to have moments of discouragement, and the journey will never be all downhill, but that’s part of the fun. Find what you love to do and enjoy the journey!   "And perhaps the same is true for all important aspects of life. Whatever you’re chasing or seeking, be careful not to give up too soon. As my friend, pastor Rob Bell, says: 'Don’t rush when you’re living experiences or situations that have the authentic capacity to transform you.' Don’t get discouraged when things stop being easy or satisfying. "Why? Because at that moment, the interesting part begins."   It starts with the fundamental concept of believing in your ability to pursue a dream or a passion, regardless of the difficulties you encounter along the way. The key is to try, putting fear aside (our constant companion on the journey, but one we shouldn’t allow to lead us astray), because Elizabeth argues that each of us has treasures hidden inside, waiting to be brought to light.   What’s the secret to doing this? Essentially, curiosity, which can guide us through the difficulties of life toward the ideas that are waiting for the right person to bring them to life.   This idea that an idea has its own will and consciousness, but above all, is driven by the impulse to be realized, fascinated me a lot. “The idea, sensing your openness, begins to make its way, sending you physical and emotional signs universally recognizable as inspiration (the chills down your arms, the hairs standing on your neck, butterflies in your stomach, buzzing thoughts, that obsessive feeling, as if you’ve fallen in love. (…) And then, in a quiet moment, it will ask you: ‘Would you like to work with me?’”   This way of seeing creativity can only lead to a much more carefree and relaxed life: simply explore the world and your passions with curiosity, and at that point, the right idea will present itself! “The creatives who inspire me the most, therefore, are not the most passionate, but the most curious. It is curiosity that allows you to work regularly; strong emotions, on the other hand, come and go.”   It will come looking for you because ideas don’t belong to us, but are abstract entities that try to interact with us to be developed: we can accept them or decide to move on. And if we decide not to act and ignore them, they will go off in search of another person willing to take the creative journey with courage. Sometimes we look with envy at people who have accomplished great projects (projects we might have wanted to develop ourselves), but they are simply people who welcomed an idea when it came to them, taking all the necessary risks. So, they aren’t geniuses, but people who have genius!   I really appreciated how the author also addresses the tougher aspects of the creative process: the fear of being misunderstood, criticized, and the lack of inspiration. She encourages us to do our best and not be ashamed of what we’ve created, because it’s very likely that someone will appreciate it. And even if it turns out to be a failure, it’s important to take it lightly: let go of what didn’t work and open your heart to the next project. “It’s your work; you must show it. You should never apologize for what you’ve done, nor explain yourself, nor be ashamed of it. You’ve done your best with what you knew, working with what you had, respecting the time you had available. You were invited and you went, and simply put, you couldn’t have done more than this.”   In case of lack of inspiration, she suggests dedicating yourself to something entirely different, staying in motion. Be ready and embrace any curiosity. Because a new idea might be looking for you and could show up in the most unexpected ways (for example, when I lack inspiration, I go for a run, read a book, or bake a cake). “In other words: if you can’t do what you want, do something else. Go for a walk with your dog, pick up the trash you find on the street, take the dog out again, bake a peach cake, paint bright-colored stones and stack them on top of each other. It may seem like procrastination, but if you put the right intention into it, it won’t be. It’s movement. And any movement beats inertia, because inspiration will always be attracted to movement. Shake your arms. Create something. Do something, anything. Get attention through a creative act, and most importantly, trust: make enough noise, and inspiration will find you.”   Finally, I recommend this book to anyone starting a project who needs to stimulate their creativity. The way Elizabeth Gilbert talks about creativity and the creative process encourages you to let the magic of the creative process happen. And trust me, it will be beautiful. It definitely won’t be easy, but if you truly love what you do, you will act despite the fear of failure. “But I’ve always seen it a little differently. I think the most ferocious question to ask is another: What would you do knowing that you will probably fail? What do you love doing so much that the words ‘failure’ and ‘success’ essentially become irrelevant? What do you love more than you love your own ego? How intense is your trust in that love?”   Next, I’d like to focus on reading something specifically about design.   See you soon!   N.G.