Fortitude In Creativity And Why It Yields Success
Why Strong Minds Create Strong Works
There’s a certain fortitude in creativity that’s necessary to be successful, regardless of what that creation turns out to be.
For all the talk this blog does about creativity, it tends to focus more on the idea of creativity over the process. I talk in abstractions about what creativity is and what it relates to, but I don’t talk as much about the people behind the concept.
This is mostly because I don’t personally know everyone who reads this blog. I would love to, but, unfortunately, I don’t.
Because of that, I can’t easily make a blanket statement that applies to most people. The community of creatives is so broad and diverse in its skills and backgrounds, it’s hard to say one thing that defines them all.
Still, I was reading Dan Crenshaw’s book Fortitude, and I had an epiphany. I know there’s something that successful creatives share: we all have to have the fortitude of the mind to succeed.
What does that fortitude look like, though? Why is it effective in consistently putting out creative works? That’s the character trait I want to explore today.
Fortitude in Creativity Has Drive
Inspiration comes in many forms. Whether it’s from daily events, a concept that you feel a resonance with, or just a really vivid dream, inspiration can be found all around.
Comparatively, it’s really easy to get ideas, but much harder to act on them.
It takes a strength of conviction to pursue an idea down to its natural conclusion. We do this all the time with decisions we view as small, like ordering at a restaurant or picking a movie to watch. But, when it comes to a creative project, there’s something deeper we want to explore when inspiration strikes.
Sometimes that inspiration leads us to a project that we just want to share with our audiences. Other times, there’s a commentary to be made, and the inspired artist feels they are the one that must do it. Exposure to a new technique or style can set someone off as well.
Any and all of those reasons to act are worthy. I don’t care how vain or shallow you believe your reasons to create are, I just care that you act on them.
The problem is that the world doesn’t really encourage creative thought, let alone action. From the time we are born, we’re asked to fit into boxes other people want to put us in. I tried that myself, and Jesus Christ did that not work!
So, when the conventional doesn’t work, that’s when the unconventional must come forth…and what could be more unconventional than doing what everyone around you tells you not to do?
It doesn’t matter what you make, it doesn’t matter how often you fail, as long as you keeping pushing forward every day. That sort of drive, and the strength to keep that drive up, are what will be the expression of your creative fortitude.
Fortitude In Creativity Has Clarity
It’s not enough just to create random pieces, though. I believe that an artist is at their best when they have a bigger picture in mind when they create. Whether that is just what they want their creative work to be when it’s done, or how it fits into a larger business, having a goal works.
That assumes you have a goal that you want to achieve, though. It’s easy to say to yourself, “Oh, I’ll just work on this a little bit each day. It’ll be fine.”
It won’t be if you don’t tell yourself what that “little bit” looks like! How many times have we told ourselves that we will do something, and then don’t because of one excuse or another? I don’t want you to be like that!
So, if you need some clarity when you’re working on your creative works, some things I’ve found help folks are too:
- Write down your goals: This way, you know what you’re aiming for! Make sure you put them in a place you’ll see them frequently, such as your desk or office.
- Make a list: Write a few tasks you want to get done that day, and then do them. Check things off that you do, and circle the ones you don’t so you have to face where you’re coming up short.
- Use a calendar: This way, you can track time as well as tasks. I use a combination of a Google calendar and a bullet journal for this, but you’ll need to find something that works for you!
It’s not a comprehensive list, but it never will be. Much like your creativity, this is something you’ll have to explore to see what helps you best. But, as long as you can clearly see what you’re aiming for, you’ll feel better about maintaining your fortitude in creativity.
Fortitude In Creativity Has Execution
Everything above is something to think about or build to suit this purpose. It’s relatively easy to talk yourself into doing things, but it’s another story to actually go out and do it. That’s because we aren’t talking about a one-off chore like laundry or getting your car’s oil changed.
We’re talking about a lifestyle. And, a lifestyle requires constant effort.
Those that put themselves out there consistently are the ones who see the most success because they are creating opportunities for them to be seen. If you try to put your art out there once or two, the chance other folks see you do it is minimal. However, if you keep at the grind for months and years, then you’ve made that many more chances for something to spark.
That’s why authors have to apply to hundreds of agents and publishing houses on their first go-around to break out. That’s why musicians will take local gigs and jam on the sidewalk for cash. That’s why artists do sketches and full-colors hundreds of times for their portfolio.
No one likes doing all that grunt work, but you have to do it. It’s the only way to give yourself the chance to have your breakout moment.
So, get up every morning, decide what you’re going to do to feed your creative fortitude, and then do it. Understand yourself, plan things out, and then execute for creativity’s sake!
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I hope that you’ll start getting your creative fortitude rolling ASAP now that you have this blueprint! It’s something I’m working on right now for myself, really.
You see, I’m a budding freelance writer and fantasy author. The concept of creativity has always been amazing to me, so I wanted my blog to be a place I could explore this concept in a deep, but fun, way.
Check out the other posts I have on the blog and share it around if you find something you like! It means a lot!
