3 Tips on Building the Best Creative Life That I Learned From Questlove
The incomparable Questlove is a musician, designer, producer, culinary entrepreneur, and creative icon to countless fans all over the world. You may know him from being the bandleader of The Roots each night on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, or heard him play drums on one of dozens of albums. Personally, I've been blessed to be able to present numerous projects that he's been involved with, and see him at work firsthand.
What I'm most impacted by today, is his work as an author. In reading his book Creative Quest, I learned his philosophy of creativity, and it's made me a better leader. I think it will do the same for you.
Here are 3 tips from Questlove on how to make creativity work for you...
"We think, or tend to think, that creativity is the enemy of distraction...You might think certain things are a distraction, but going without them can become a larger one."
Distraction and creativity are not mutually exclusive. Don't be afraid of diversions and be open to welcoming them, don't push them away. That music or podcast in your ear as you write, for example. You never know where a 'distraction' might lead to an inspiration.
"Creative life also includes some management of other people's creativity."
No matter your role, think of yourself as a curator. Questlove is a DJ, and through this work in nightclubs, he's constantly thinking about how to pull different songs or elements together. The beat, the pacing, the energy of the room. He's always thinking of the crowd, and how they're being affected by the music in real time. How do you act as a curator in your creative endeavors?
"Deciding what you're not before you decide what you are lets you stand strong in your own category."
I think about this a lot when it comes to leadership. I, like you I'm sure, have seen a lot of really toxic leaders in my career, both in my own workplaces and from afar. When addressing a challenge, I'm quite often thinking of a bad example of leadership first, and then formulating a strategy which takes the opposite approach. I find that my leadership style is greatly defined by what I am not, at least at first, then developing into who I am. It comes down to values shaping your identity. Do you do this too?
I love reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and learning about people's creative process. I'll be sharing tips, reviews, and recommendations in future newsletters. Today, I highly recommend picking up Creative Quest, by Questlove. It's like listening in on a conversation with one of the most prolific collaborators of our time. His voice comes through loud and clear, and it's a voice that should be heard by all of us that work in a creative environment.
You can pick up Questlove's book on Kindle or in print by clicking here.
What are some good books on creativity that you've read? Any good podcasts on the topic? Comment, and I'll share some of my favorite responses in a future newsletter!
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Jason Paddock