Obvious to you. Amazing to others. | Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers[](https://sive.rs/search)
Obvious to you. Amazing to others.
2010-11-21Audio 3 Any creator of anything knows this feeling:
You experience someone else’s innovative work. It’s beautiful, brilliant, breath-taking. You’re stunned. Their ideas are unexpected and surprising, but perfect.
**You think, “I never would have thought of that. How do they even come up with that? It’s genius!”**
Afterwards, you think, “My ideas are so obvious. I’ll never be as inventive as that.”
I get this feeling often. Amazing books, music, movies, or even amazing conversations. I’m in awe at how the creator thinks like that. I’m humbled.
But I continue to do my work. I tell my little tales. I share my point of view. Nothing spectacular. Just my ordinary thoughts.
One day someone emailed me and said, “I never would have thought of that. How did you even come up with that? It’s genius!”
Of course I disagreed and explained why it was nothing special.
But afterwards, I realized something surprisingly profound:
**Everybody’s ideas seem obvious to them.**
I’ll bet even John Coltrane or Richard Feynman felt that everything they were playing or saying was pretty obvious.
**So maybe what’s obvious to me is amazing to someone else?**
Hit songwriters often admit that their most successful hit song was one they thought was just stupid, even not worth recording.
We’re clearly bad judges of our own creations. We should just put them out there and let the world decide.
**Are you holding back something that seems too obvious to share?**
- * *
**Copy & share**: sive.rs/obvious
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1. Dodd Lede (2010-11-21) I feel this way all the time.
Great observation.
Dodd ~
2. Jody Whitesides (2010-11-21) Oh how true this is...
I never think about what I do as being anything more than to satisfy myself.
3. Dean Dwyer (2010-11-21)
What a great insight...personally i am bad for this...I think if I know it then everyone else does as well...probably is what keeps many of us from creating that something that is truly amazing...because we think everyone already knows "our truth." Most probably don't!
4. Mauri Moore (2010-11-21) I like this and the previous one about the blank canvass.
5. BiG ChinGS (2010-11-21) now people just gotta start listening to my muzik.....
6. Marc Farre (2010-11-21) Derek, a wonderful poke as always. I'm happy to say that -- today at least! -- I feel like I am really doing my best to emit whatever musical or personal energy comes most easily to me.
So I guess you could say that makes it obvious.
If only it were obvious to me that I should do it, every single day!
Thanks again!
7. BiG ChinGS (2010-11-21) no, seriously...
8. Dave Doolin (2010-11-21) I see this with blog posts. Stuff I slave over may get ignored, while something scribbled out in a few minutes catches fire.
Bach wrote, what some 10,000 pieces of music? But we play the same 40 or 50 of those over and over and over...
9. Rick Sowash (2010-11-21) "If you can do it, there's nothing to it." -- Woody Allen
10. Anthony Milas (2010-11-21) Just one comment on the above (even though to me, its such an obvious comment):
I never would have thought of that. How did you even come up with that? It's genius!
:)
11. Riley Hagan (2010-11-21) Thanks, as always.
12. Rhan Wilson (2010-11-21) Thanks again for reminding us of this important, simple information. I like this and the blank canvas article as well.
Rhan
13. Ace Andres (2010-11-21) Woody also said:"I would never want to be in a club that would have me as a member". (actually that was grouch being quoted by Woody) But Wood does get kudos for saying: "Showing up is 50% of success"
14. Wout Mertens (2010-11-21) This is obvious to me ;-)
A slight variation is discussed in the excellent book "made to stick" where it is known as the "curse of knowledge".
Basically, from your mental vantage point you can't imagine that your concepts are non-trivial for others.
I found that to be one of the most important points in the book and I like your insight as well. Food for thought indeed.
15. Cari Cole (2010-11-21) You nailed it right on the head. This is so important for creative types to hear. Thank you Derek for your constant inquiry and efforts. You are doing extremely important work in the world!
16. John Stringer (2010-11-21) Appreciated. Especially the question you end with: "Are you holding back something that seems too obvious to share?"
17. Dana Carmel (2010-11-21)
This is so true! You should never hold back what you have to share. Imagine if the person you look up to was scared that they weren't original and never gave the world their gift. We shouldn't hold ourselves back. Thanks Derek for the reminder!
18. Christopher Prim (2010-11-21) Maybe I am!
19. Doug Fleming (2010-11-21) Thank you Derek. I do forget that all too often. Even with my supportive to remind me of this every project I do, somehow coming from the outside, it seems new and profound. Go figure! :)
20. Chris Merkley (2010-11-21)
This makes me wonder how much we credit the creator for things they didn't consciously intend to relate. I guess some of the best art leaves plenty of avenues for the individual to explore what it means to them...with as many avenues to explore for as many different perspectives as possible...
21. Kenny Leroy Little (2010-11-21) I disagree. I'm pretty sure that both John Coltrane and Richard Feynman knew that they were on to something special.
22. Bradley Tindall (2010-11-21)
Killing animals is as wrong as killing another person. NA! That's stupid and not worth recording. It would also be plagiarism to claim that thought as my own, I'm sure. So now I have an idea that's stolen, stupid and not worth recording. Rough day ;)
23. Laiki Huxorli (2010-11-21) Well said, Derek! Good inspiration for a cold winter day.
24. Luke Hurley (2010-11-21)
my obvious thought is this. The best way to protect the planet is by first keeping the family together.A broken family consumes a lot more.....more houses,cars,household appliances etc. SO greenies need first to care about the human family and its eco system and by so doing be more empowered to save the planet.
25. provoce productions (2010-11-21) I am a singer and a teacher of singing. I am giving a Master Class today and will read this.
Thanks!
26. Stani Steinbock (2010-11-21) Obviously it's true! And German ants are quite amazing (ameising?) too!
27. Marc Querel (2010-11-21) You always seems to know how to find that little accurate thought, appealing to everybody.
Thank You!
28. Steve Kusaba (2010-11-21)
People have differing abilities at self appreciation. In this society we are fed humble pie from birth. This is wrong, we should burn the candle at both ends trying to be the most that we can be and then acknowledge it to ourselves. Why it seems that what we do is so obvious and ho hum is that we take for granted all of the many complex skills that it took to develop to make things seem simple. Nothing ho hum about it, it is amazing.
29. Mark (2010-11-21) Thanks Derek! I've been slowly coming to this conclusion. I think I'm going to record that song I wrote that everybody who hear's it thinks it's great, and I think it's just ok. Thanks for the encouragement!
30. Jess Pryce-Jones (2010-11-21) Isn't it great to know that this is part of the human experience - and explains why most of us worry about our confidence. Embrace your inner genius - or genii - and give her/him/them a hug.
31. Nathan Vogel aka Doctor Spook (2010-11-21) Pretty spot on... and it makes sense since whatever is in your mind would be the most familiar to you since you are a sum total of your experiences plus that extra magic essence that makes you who you are! =)
32. Renée Frances Conn (2010-11-21) For me, the operative words here are "to share".
My challenge is to not let things get "too precious" to share
In the arts there is a fine line between developing a project to its fruition and the type of perfectionism that prevents me from sharing at all.
Great links too! Although my favorite Miyazaki movie is Howl's Moving Castle.
33. Jess Pryce-Jones (2010-11-21) Isn't it great to know that this is part of the human experience - and explains why most of us worry about our confidence. Embrace your inner genius - or genii - and give her/him/them a hug.
34. Craig Boissy (2010-11-21)
A lot of people think Im very talented. I know that im not. I am capable and reasonably competent and I work hard at most things that I do, but Im no Genius and Im certainly no Artist. I do know real artists and Musicians and have been around them most of my life and I have always had an artistic "Sense". I have seen the Phenomena That Derek Describes. Sometimes they really dont see how brilliant their work is and sometimes they know its good but dont think it great and are just being modest. I have known and do know geniuses who know they are geniueses...They wont admit of course But theres always those little clues that give them away. Im Ok with that actually. One thing that I am quite good at is cooking. I know it, but it took me 20 years of practice and working with some really great cooks before I liked my own cooking. Its a very satisfying thing to be able to sit down and consume your own cooking and when your done say "Hey that was good" Im sure there must be something similar when you are satisfied with your work as an artist.
35. Fred Raimondi (2010-11-21) It took me a long time to learn this concept. I think it's part of EVERY creative person's journey.
It's sad that SOME people NEVER get it. Imagine all that could have been contributed that was ignored because it looked too obvious to the creator.
The book, "How to Create Like DaVinci", by Michael Gelb is a MUST for anyone who wants to create. Or even for people who just want a little more "creative confidence".
36. Mike Busch (2010-11-21) Thanks for the push. I have not thought if I am holding back.
As to your main point, I feel that way all the time. I am also very uncomfortable when others load on praise for my obvious ideas.
37. Michael Schwartz (2010-11-21) Thanks for sharing this. What's funny is that this is exactly what I needed to read right now. I've been feeling this way about one particular large project of mine that I am trying to get off the ground.
38. Craig Einhorn (2010-11-21) derek,
your method of sharing these stories with us is a prime example. thanks.
Craig
39. Henry Soul (2010-11-21)
Yes! definitely. Glimpses & twinkles of ideas initially felt amazing, then B-came obvious after having worked thouroughly. So, I put them out and let the world decide, even if I think it might not have been worth the efforts. And if a certain idea works, I have the tendencies 2 want 2 settle 4 complacency. But un4tunately, I have had the luxury. So, I continue 2 push 4 excellence. In resolute, it's all mysterious 2 me. But the large body of work is a very much worthy investment. I rest my case here.
40. Apoorv Khatreja (2010-11-21)
Something that I'd choose to believe is that this is not as general as you think it to be. Good ideas do come to your mind, and you don't always shoo it off as 'very obvious' or 'nothing spectacular' because that is just not the case. I like to use my discretionary senses and if you learn to listen to them, they treat you well.
Maybe tons of great ideas go down the drain everyday because the mind that came up with it lacks the self-confidence, but the opposite scenario is even more frightening; something like what happens everyday at 4chan or on Twitter. People have way too many ideas and not all of them are worth sharing or working on.
That being said, I like to note down these small ideas that I get and I often look back upon on stuff that wrote a few years ago, some of it is downright embarrassing, most of it is stupid, but amongst the big pile of crap somewhere there are a few gems that are possibly worth millions of dollars. Looking at those gems gives the motivation to go on and try again everyday.
41. charles foskett (2010-11-21) "After nearly 62 years I'm only in my second stage of naivety now - or maybe not quite yet?"?
Charles Foskett www.shmusicmusic.com www.rock-chorus.com
42. Fred Ballard (2010-11-21) You've made an amazing observation that I needed you to think of and share. I never would have thought to do this.
Thank you, Fred
43. Frank Inscore (2010-11-21) Really there is a lot of truth in what you said. We are our own worst enemy at times and like you said just put it out there and let the world decide.
44. Rachel Saling (2010-11-21) This is a very excellent point, although I do agree that not every idea is worth all your time. However, that's why you can share with friends and family, get feedback, and improve upon it, and then present it to the world!
45. Ruben Berenguel (2010-11-21)
Completely agree. Two years ago I was giving a 25 minute talk about a paper I was finishing (it got published on March of this year, my first paper!), and for me it was everything so obvious, plain and simple (and more so in front of a plethora of experts in the field) that I just rushed a lot of slides just because "it was easy". A few days ago I revisited the paper (because it was almost 1 year since I read it for the last time), and realised we did a pretty good job, complete and clear, and at the time, I was completely unaware of it: I was so entrenched in the details that I didn't see the big picture, and now I have them forgotten, the big picture looks a lot better.
Cheers,
Ruben Latest in my blog: How to Create A6 Booklets in 7 Easy Steps (using LaTeX)
46. Glen Casebeer (2010-11-21) I too, loved the line at end "Are you holding back something that seems too obvious to share?" Thank you again.
47. Tom N. Tierney (2010-11-21) Great thought! Genius. Why didn't I ever think of that? (just kidding) Really, this spurs me on to record some song ideas I think are kind of stupid. Thanks!!!
48. Rolf Kempf (2010-11-21)
I've come at it from the other end. After standing on my head to seem original or unusual and realizing the result as artificial, I try to develop my own way of seeing things and work with that as ordinary. Now people are amazed by my chord progressions and almost baffled when I try to explain how they make sense. Of course, once across that threshold there's no going back and you need to learn to live with it. Interesting point, Derek.
49. Fred Scott (2010-11-21) things that make you say mmmmm
50. Barry Coates (2010-11-21) Thanks for sharing this Derek and reminding me that I still have some ideas that could work. I appreciate your thoughts and always find them anything but obvious.
51. Babe Borden (2010-11-21)
Yeah, I had college professor at New England Conservatory of Music, a brilliant pianist named Doug Buys, who impressed me with a similar kind of point. I had a particular aptitude for solfege, and he wanted me to help tutor some students who needed help with this skill, stuff that came naturally to me, but to others who were struggling with "do, re, mi" it seemed like scaling a mountain. He said it seemed "basic" and "simple" to me because I had mastered it already, but to realize that what's easy for you may be very difficult for others. It all comes down to "know thyself!" Appreciate what you do well and understand what you can do to help illuminate others. And it works both ways! That's why sometimes we need coaching, but sometimes we're the coach.
52. Michael.J.Ramplin (2010-11-21)
Good post Derek. As time goes by, as a songwriter I tend to be more critical of myself than I used to be, probably because we are continualy trying to get better at what we do. Sometimes "over" critical, because usually when I put the songs "out there", people send encouraging messages saying how they like them.
53. Rhonda Niden (2010-11-21) ....and sometimes just being told your concept is genius is not quite enough...
Amazing! Hard to reverse the mind- set..."if it seems too good to be true...". Have we really lost all faith? Thank goodness Einstein's concepts were not presented today! LoL. ;-)
54. Dan Hartal (2010-11-21) The great Greek philosopher, Socrates (469-399 BC). He was the one to say:"Know Thyself"to be wise, otherwise the unexamined life is not worth living...
55. Tiny Worker (2010-11-21) Are you holding back something that seems too obvious to share?
YES I AM !
Thanks for reminding me I need to release it
56. David Griffith (2010-11-21) you're a gem Derek ..... I'm sure that there are parents everywhere wondering why their kids can't seem to understand what is so obvious to them.
It's taken a lifetime to understand very obvious 'truths' about living...
i.e. if you behave in a way which alienates those around you then perhaps you need to look at your behaviour .... why?..... 'cause it aint working..... unless you like being alienated.
Fresh ideas seem to invite ridicule or worse .... look at Galileo or Veliskovski.
I just love the idea that we're living within an Electic Universe which, intuitively, makes complete sense to me ... and yet .... nah ... mainstrem science doesn't accept this for the simple reason that - with the advent of nuclear power - THAT became the 'obvious' way in which stars maintain their power.
..... must go .... just saw a shooting star or perhaps I saw an Angel fall....
thanks for being.
57. Kathy Sierra (2010-11-21)
Wonderful! And best of all are the things that are *both*, or as filmmaker Murch put it, "surprising yet self-evident"... where you're amazed at the brilliance, then realize in hindsight that it should have been completely obvious ; ). Things where it just feels so natural and right, but only after someone says/does/creates it. Things where your FIRST thought is that you cannot believe someone came up with that, but your second thought is that you cannot believe it took this long. Love those. Love this post.
58. Harriet Schock (2010-11-21)
I completely agree. This is why I believe the more personal, the more universal provided the story/message/truth is presented with craft. Everyone has his own personal story and viewpoint. That combined with craft create emotional impact, in my opinion. That's when people say "Ah! Genius." How it's presented makes a huge difference, whether in songwriting, screenwriting or blogging. Derek thinks of good stuff and presents it really well.
59. Dorothy Wallace (2010-11-21)
What happens to me is I come up with an idea that I think is unique and original and someone else has already thought of it. For example, the Christmas Sweater Party where you invite people over and make them wear their ugliest Christmas Sweater.
Dorothy
60. Andy Ard (2010-11-21)
I've been having a similar discussion with other songwriters, and my conclusion is that it's none of our business what of our music people are going to like. Just put it out there. This is, of course, an attempt at staving off the internal critic who does an effective job of stopping the flow given opportunity.
61. André Lima e Silva (2010-11-21) That's something I have really never thought about. I think you only thought about that because you are brilliant. But, even not been as brilliant as you are, your point makes me feel more comfortable with my own weakness. This is what I needed to "unhold" things that I've thought obvious. Thanks and congrats.
62. Richard Geller (2010-11-21) Bob Franke, a singer-songwriter of some merit, is the one who pointed out...
"We're told (and readily believe) that genius is something quite rare. It's a lie. Genius is common; it's in abundance everywhere."
I think he's more right than wrong. Not an exact quote, but close enough.
63. Bruce Chenoweth (2010-11-21) One evening Robert Tennyson Stevens pointed a small flashlight and peered into my eyes. He stepped back and asked "How long have you been hiding your genius?"
It hit me like lightening. I had been doing exactly that since I discovered that to reveal it alienated me from others, most of whom were also hiding their particular brand of genius. We were all attempting to be NORMAL in a society where no such condition existed.
It so happens that I have a high I.Q. score. Fortunately, I did not learn about this until I was mature enough to deal with it. Had it gone to my head, I likely would not have been so willing to learn brilliant lessons from the 'dummies" who have taught me so much.
After I was asked that question, I went home and started the "genius unveiled" web site geniusunveiled.com
I have not done much with it. It is open for anyone except spammers who choose to play there. Just go to the blog and register. Then let us know by comment that you are not a spammer and we will open the gate for you :) It will be good to see it used for it's intended purpose. Lately we have only used it to create blog links to our shopping cart. What a waste of genius ...
64. Claude Needham (2010-11-21) To me it is a mark of thoughtfulness for others when we set aside the need to convince them that our ideas are not all that special.
65. Gail Marten (2010-11-21)
Yes, Derek, what you say is true. Self-doubt and self-loathing are the enemies of creation. And for those who think that their ideas are awesome, when really the opposite, delusion can be a wonderful thing. But we don't know until we put "it" out there, do we? And then…do we really "know?" Hmm. I think that I need to go lie down now to ponder these musings.
66. Dale (2010-11-21) This is a great article. I never would have thought of writing it. But I'm sure it was obvious to you.
67. Danuta Hinc (2010-11-21) What you are saying, Derek, is really obvious. Why haven't I thought of that? ;-)
68. Jason Ball (2010-11-21) I have the opposite problem!
69. SyneRyder (2010-11-21) For some reason, this reminds me of a talk that Brian Eno & Will Wright gave a few years ago (and that you've probably linked to previously).
Brian mentioned that some of his music is created by simple generative algorithms, and Will said the same was true for people in the Sim games. In theory, both the music and games are "obvious", because you could sit down and calculate what happens next in the algorithm. It's predictable. But if you don't know the algorithm, or if the algorithm is iterating so fast that you can't keep up with it, then the results are surprising and, well, "amazing".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzVSvqXJYg
If I recall correctly, Will's secret to making "amazing" wasn't intricate creation, but rather playing with lots of algorithms until he found one that gave interesting results...
... and Brian's secret was to let people assume it must be amazing, by framing it in the form of a published CD from a record label :) [Which sounds like what Bob says in comment #70, where ideas from the consultant are 'amazing' but ideas from the secretary are disregarded.]
70. Bil "Saxman" (2010-11-21) Good one Derek. I must revamp some of my early keyboard work and get it out there. You just never know, somebody, somewhere may like it.
71. Jeannie Hinck (2010-11-21) Aw shucks, Derek... Genius? Ha ha! That would be so cool. The closest I've ever been to genius, is perhaps, "cleaver."
Do you have a specific story of genius for us, dear? If so, we'd love to hear it!
72. Joski (2010-11-21) How did you think of that? It's genius - I would never have thought of that!
- Actually Derek - Well done - observations like this are very useful to others - only obvious when you see it!
Best, J
73. George Winters (2010-11-21) Thanks Derek! You motivate everyone that takes time to read this! I appreciate all you do!
74. duane (2010-11-21)
aaaah yes!...how familiar it is to apply a "value" to your own worth at anything and come up short--particularly if you compare yourself unfairly to, let's say, another guitar player--you have no idea how many hours of "doing" this person put in to reach what they are doing now--but you still put yourself up against that yard stick...of course you had to start by doing this to your own work to "improve"--whatever that is...I'm not sure who said it but there's a quote that goes, "Logic is the destroyer of action"...and it certainly seems true...the longer and more in depth you think about something, the less you get done about it.
Genius then just becomes a term to describe someone who kept doing or at least analyzing and writing about it... not just thinking about it and imagining it's value.
75. Sirupsen (2010-11-21) I never would have thought of that. How did you even come up with that? It's genius!
76. Joe Calderone (2010-11-21) Hi Derek - Thanks so much for sharing - So true! I am going back to my earlier songs and bringing them back to life - Happy Thansgiving:)
77. Stefan Keller (2010-11-21) too bad, that you'll never know if something is genius or just plain obvious beforehand :-)
78. Ace Andres (2010-11-21) Ya, That's what makes "PRODUCERS" worth the money. (sometimes)
79. Elizabeth Geyer (2010-11-21) wow Derek - this post REALLY spoke to me - even more than usual. You are a genius!! haha.. but seriously- thankyou.
80. Mark Whitty (2010-11-21)
People were amazed at my pool cover invention. I saw a boat under a jetty at low tide. When the tide returned, the boat lifted the jetty off the pylons. Water is incompressible. Inflatable raft, captive edges on the pool. You can walk on it. No way for kids to drown. All I needed was a divine being to make people believe in it. High-N-Dry pool cover (youtube)
81. Fil Campbell (2010-11-21) Nice one Derek - I should stick this essay up on the wall for the next time I'm doubting what I do :)
82. Darlene Cavalier (2010-11-21) Our artists do this all the time. They don't want to record a song because it's "old." Only to them. 100% new to everyone else. Great ideas, obvious to them, but great to the listening public.
83. viv mcwaters (2010-11-21) My improviser/director/artist friend David Robinson says it this way: "put down your clever and pick up your ordinary". What is ordinary to me might be extraordinary to others. Good advice all round
84. Craig Brown aka Sounda (2010-11-21) love it! I know from experience that this is true! great one to share with the universe!
85. Kameron J. Vaughn (2010-11-21) Nope...I always know I'm amazing!!
JUST KIDDING!
(no I'm not...dead serious!)
KIDDING!
(maybe.)
86. HC (2010-11-21) Thank you. Maybe I should go forward with my simple straight forward ideas. I always felt that my ideas are stupid. Maybe not, afterall. :D
87. Adam Smith (2010-11-21) Now THIS is a visitation from your Muse, whispering in your ear....awesome and fearless! Thanks Derek!
88. george (2010-11-21) word. thanks.
89. Jerry (2010-11-21) Yep. I'm am the Bruce Lee of self-doubt. I had to fight with my inner critic just to click "submit comment."
90. Byron Fry (2010-11-21) True, that; and though you may contain many layers of context and subjectivity in your head, the outside world is not in your head and can only go by your actions. "You're every move you make." -Yes
91. Barry Gray (2010-11-21) when someone says "good job" just say thank you and accept it.....maybe they mean it.
92. anty (2010-11-21) I think it always comes down to the perspective your audience has, when you present your thoughts. When you are from a different domain than your audience, it's more likely that it's new and "innovative" to them. If you do what they do every day, you probably have to tell it someone else to be understood as a brilliant idea :)
93. Sharon Sayler (2010-11-21) So true. Recently I wrote about the phrase I hear a lot in my business coaching; “If I can do it, anybody can do it.” Not true! Many of us have put in years to get the knowledge we have, yet we undervalue it.
Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, it breeds indifference.
Thanks for the great post and all the insightful comments too. Wonderful! Sharon Sayler
94. Susan (2010-11-21) Melodies are easy for me. They feel obvious. Lyrics are hard. When I come up with a good lyric, I'm much more pleased with myself than when I create a good melody.
95. Ryan Chilcote (2010-11-21) Been on both sides of the stick many, many times. A very good point and lesson Derek!
Be well
96. Bijan Pourriahi (2010-11-21) Thank you for sharing your profound insights with the world.
97. Dennis Fullerton (2010-11-21) Hi Derek ...
Yes, another great viewpoint and question you present to us.
My customary intent is to not hold back anything. However, I do sometimes wonder if making my music easier for others to grasp might be a mistake on my part. It seems there are some who purposely bypass melodic simplicity for flash and speed. Then, I wonder if they can sing the speedy passage. Hmmm. Food for thought, that is. :)
~ Dennis
98. Bonnie J Jensen (2010-11-21) Derek - I love you for this! So supportive!
Regards, Bonnie J Jensen
99. Glowing Face Man (2010-11-21)
Quite a few times, I've whipped up some article in half an hour without thinking much, and lo and behold, it explodes into popularity on stumbleupon or reddit. Other times, I pour my heart into an article for hours and hours, polishing it and thinking deeply about it, and it totally bombs. There's no telling how popular it will be based on how I feel about it at the time :P
100. Al Molina (2010-11-21)
I learned something when I did an experiment in creating. The exercise was to create something new for the next 5 days. Each one can be done in 10 minutes. Do a poem,birdhouse,arrange flowers,make a board game,recipe, short story, water color, or some creative activity. Suggestions: conceive a result that you want to create; note the current state of the creation- continue to observe the changes in reality once you take action- 1st nothing,then something,something more,and so on, until completion, Work quickly to bring vision into being. FOR EXCERCISE: don't improvise - Plan, create vision, bring vision into being- FOCUSED CREATIVE PROCESS. When finished,look at it, live with it for few minutes- evaluate the results. Do You Like it? How close did you come to your vision? (Note) you will learn about all stages of the creative process in a short period of time - learn the difference between creating and reacting. What matters to you? - not what should matter or not what you want to matter, but what really matters?
101. Jeffrey Callen (2010-11-21) Great observation and very reassuring to someone (me, of course) with a heavy academic training. Helps defuse that impulse to only make "weighty" comments that can lead to writing (thinking/speaking) blocks.
cheers, Jeff
102. Joey McGee (2010-11-21) Awesome dude; thanks! It would be really cool if we (humans) could fully appreciate and applause the genius we each possess without getting caught up in our "own-ness" so much. The world would be a better place.
Dude, thanks for sharing; I appreciate your genius!
Joey K
103. Ben (2010-11-21) Ralph Waldo Emerson states exactly that in the opening to his essay "Self-Reliance": blettr.com/iwkc4iw62th9hv5vix8tv9dz64xw78ww
I find it one of the most profound and stirring statements possible for any creative person.
104. Kamran Salehi (2010-11-21) Derek, There is severe “contrast” between this post and your previous one about blank canvases.
I tend to agree with this one. All blank canvases have the same painting. We need variety in this world. So many musicians and artists hold back on publishing most of their work because they think it’s not good or perfect enough. From other people perspective, all the work from a given artist, in a given period, is at the same level of mastery of the art.
Since we are not good judges for our own work, it is really best to let the public or audience decide on what’s good and what’s not. It is almost like incorporating market research into your art.
105. Joash Chee (2010-11-21) Nicely put. This realization is what made me decide to put away my own preconceived notions and just make available to others what seems obvious to me, in hope that I can really make a difference in lives out there.
106. Dan-O | DanoSongs.com (2010-11-21) Yeah man, just do your best at what comes naturally to you and step back!
Peace,
Dan
107. Glauber Ribeiro (2010-11-21) All my ideas are amazing! Pity the world is not ready for them.
108. Michael Drake (2010-11-21)
Once a day for 10 mins. or so, I have to make sure to turn my creative switch off so I can be normal. In that 10 mins. of down time I lose 10 hrs. of creative ideas that went out into the universe for someone else to use. To me that's obvious, to others, not apparent but should be! Derek, Your the man.
Thanks,
Michael Drake
109. tqobw (2010-11-21) It'a dare! Everyone likes a challenge. You clever little devil.
110. Lammy (2010-11-21) I agree! I really can't judge which songs of mine are good (if any), or which one's suck! I've written and recorded over 200 songs in the last 4 years. I released 2 records, with a total of 30 songs. So, I may never know if one of the 170 songs left over, was the one that could have changed everything! (lol)
~~ LAMMY aka Mr. True
111. Edward Dee (2010-11-21)
So true. Heard a true one-liner years ago that's made a difference for me..."What's obvious isn't obvious!" Time to receive that we all have a unique greatness in us that is intended to be given into the world. Best when I remember not to censure and edit what I create. Keep the channel open...let it flow... and let it go.
112. Stefan Daniel Bell (2010-11-21) Derek.
Brilliant. How did you think of that? Seriously... And a little kidding.
This explains a lot. Thank You! ~stefan
113. bb (2010-11-21) I go in and out of feeling both delighted by how amazing the fruit of my work sometimes is -- and totally taking it for granted.
I just DO my music because it's asking to be done. And if it seems successful, I might thoroughly enjoy listening back to it afterward, even sometimes being pleasured and surprised moment by moment, over and over again, as it emerges through the speakers. I guess all of that constitutes aspects of "beginner's mind" or "doing without doing".
Even in my other calling -- holistic bodywork and wellness massage and coaching -- sometimes when a client's profound healing happens, I notice a toggling of two observations within: !) Well, of course that healing happened; I was just following directions and doing the obvious and 2) Wow! What a miracle! What a surprise! What a gift for both of us.
114. Edward A. Moore (2010-11-21) Profound!
115. Emilie Masdoua (2010-11-21) Sometimes people's ideas seem so obvious.
Im glad these are not my ideas :)
Without joking, i felt this way many times while dealing with the idea of creation involving "saving the world" thoughts.
But I came to the same conclusion as you : im so bad at judging, and often, simple is amazing.
kisses Derek
116. Hung Huu Hoang (2010-11-21) Thanks for sharing the insightful thought!
Please write and share more thoughts :D
117. Meng Weng Wong (2010-11-21) what's the difference between a maker and a hacker?
a maker says: "i wasn't sure i could do that!"
a hacker says: "i wasn't sure that could be done!"
118. Mike Danilin (2010-11-21) Can't agree more.
119. Shyam Mani (2010-11-21) So true! Thanks for sharing :)
120. Adam Cole (2010-11-21) Pretty obvious, don't you think, Derek?
(Did someone already make that joke? Sorry...)
Adam
121. Fui.Fa Jong (2010-11-21) Wow! This is another good article.
Sometime my friends would come up to me and say how did you handle those employees? you're good!
To me, it's just another issues with solutions. To others it's the other way round.
love this post *likes*
122. Leland Dirks (2010-11-21) I am glad you realized that.... and you know what? Each person is brilliant in some way.... even me!
123. Steven (2010-11-21) So true Derek! There are so many creative minds out there, sometimes it can be tough to find our own place. It helps to embrace spontaneity!
124. John Chiasson (2010-11-21) Very Cool Derek!
125. Meghan Morrison (2010-11-21)
I think if you act on what seems intuitive, it feels natural to you and thus seems unsurprising or not remarkable... and that makes sense, because it's difficult to think of something never thought of before ... when you're thinking about it ... follow my jive? :)
singer/songwriter/webcaster www.meghanmorrison.com @megsmorrison
126. David Glaser (2010-11-21) I'm struggling with a related phenomenon, Derek.
I've just learned to sing and play an amazing song so I can explore its amazingness and share it with friends. (Ben Folds' "Practical Amanda," lyrics by Nick Hornby.)
Now a really amazing song doesn't reveal itself all at once. I wasn't hooked until maybe listening #5 or so. The song is still unfolding after 30 or 40 times around.
But since I don't often sing a song more than once, I have to trust that others will explore on their own and really discover the levels of amazingness. One time through is the merest taste, and only for those who understand the dynamic of layers of amazingness.
Thanks for the oppty to get myself clear on this.
127. Balarko Banerjee (2010-11-21) Cool Einstien pic
128. Paul Yuellig (2010-11-21)
I can tell when I write a song that's a bit derivative of someone else's and one that came from deep down in me, myself. The former is more of a construct and the later very much more original-sounding. But, in any case, the creative phenomenon is the best, most valid feeling I ever have had. Paul - Allus Cats
129. Rose Merrill (2010-11-21) I'm still soaking up the blank canvas.....honestly,,,and how do people get their pictures on here...I like that.
130. Carey B Grant (2010-11-21) Derek,
I've been working on a song the past few wks. I'm doin' it over 'n' over again. Its Driving Me Bazirk ! Something is starting to pop out of the wood work. I just heard it tonight it's in the 3rd vrs ___ I think I'm going to let that grow ___ It seems to come naturally ___ & after reading this___ It would be "WISE" to at least explore that area & see what happens. Mabe a pleasant surprise.
Thanks Perfect Timing Carey
131. Jim Pipkin (2010-11-21)
In my case, since my music has been circulating for about thirty years with no great shakes, I have to admit that it must, indeed, be fairly ordinary. Doesn't mean I'll stop doing it, but I no longer have any expectations. Not a bad place to be, really.
132. Eddy (2010-11-21)
It is the Times you are "shot down" that makes people stop trying, I think. Bad teachers, bullies, someties even family and friends... and even co-workers (right Derek)... They can say something, sometimes even offhand or flippant, and wreck your project or train of thought with self doubt or despair. THAT is the hardest thing to over come... I think, followed by your own thoughts and criticisms... (I HATE CRITICS) Most Movie Critics have never liked the movies that I have... go figure...
I agree that we should always put that idea out there... But I am still glad I use Spell check on Word and E-Mail... Sometimes I goof here... but..... You guys very rarely hate...
:)~
-Eddy
133. J.J. Vicars (2010-11-21) When you see something that needs to be done and nobody else is doing it, despite the obvious necessity, you've stumbled onto a "genius" idea. The best stuff comes out of that obvious need, not for the sake of recognition which is an extra.
134. Wayne Gerard Trotman (2010-11-21) These days I'm trying really hard not to hold back anything! :-)
135. Ramanan (2010-11-21) Hi Derek
Not to sound pompous, from a nation full of creative thinkers that I come from, what you say perfectly makes sense. Being in advertising has made me believe in what you have stated more. whenever creative team comes out with an idea it seems more than obvious. but those are the ideas that make it to the limelight.
a well rounded thinking and a perfect observation on the state of mind.
kudos to you derek
cheers
Ramanan
136. Antonio Garcia (2010-11-21) I like and share your oppinion is a good point of view
137. Liam Brennan (2010-11-21)
Absolutely true. Left to our own machinations, or lack thereof, many/most of the world's creations would never be realized. I was a reluctant musical performer, thinking that my sound was subpar and not up to standards that I was used to hearing from professional artists, but enough people expressed admiration and delight after listening to my playing, that I realized people are their own worst critics, and that one's talents are best judged by others, who may have skills that YOU admire and respect. Put the time in to work on what you do best, long as it doesn't hurt anybody else, and there'll always be people who dig what you do. That's what has always inspired mankind- to mimic and improve upon what works.
138. Jon Anastasio (2010-11-21) In a word, yes. Thanks Derek.
139. Alicia Selby (2010-11-21) Derek:
I classify myself as "extremely self critical", so thanks so much for the brilliant insight. I need to "lighten up" on me :))
140. Jon Leland (2010-11-21) Perfect. Thanks much for this uplifting insight.
141. K.M. Ward (2010-11-21) Thanks for stating the obvious in such a creative way that those of us who are amazed by the obvious can see how obvious it is and be amazed!! What??
142. Luko Adjaffi (2010-11-21) we are all very limited ...so insidew of the box ....God is too far too close ...we need to stay in the spiritual way to understand it all....
luko adjaffi
143. Matthew Mengerink (2010-11-22)
There are some times where this isn't the case for me. I have struck upon ideas that surprised me. It was as if they came from somewhere else. They didn't seem obvious. They were different and special. These are *very* few and far between my other thoughts.
So, I don't think it negates your premise totally, but I'm not sure that others don't have the "this is it!" kinda feelings with exceptional ideas.
Cheers, Matthew
144. Eric Petersen (2010-11-22) I just finished an acting workshop and have begun to realize that we all have our own constructs on almost everything, this goes back to the individual bringing something extraordinary to the collective consciousness and that the limitations we place on ourselves have to do with ego and our own importance, if we can forget about ourselves !!!!
145. Matt Eaton (2010-11-22) I needed that. I've just recently been debating with myself whether anyone would even want to hear a few tunes that I have hesitated to record. So...Why not?
146. Tony Papadopoulos (2010-11-22) Great article! I think any artist feel's the same and this neatly puts it in to perspective. Thx for sharing Derek!
147. Betsy Grant (2010-11-22) This is a very good point Derek. We all do have the potential for a certain "genius".
148. Joe Leonard (2010-11-22) Derek,
I think that's right on paper.
However, I am a closet narcissist who thinks my band's music is light years ahead of it's time.
I kid. I kid.
Joe
149. Dan Niswander (2010-11-22) Great stuff Derek!
Thanks for sharing. I hope all is well.
Dan
150. Jesse Richardson (2010-11-22)
Perhaps this has to do with a dissonance between our different states of awareness? Whatever we are able to achieve or perceive is bound to seem much less amazing to us because we understand it, whilst the hidden mechanics and aspects of someone else's creations or thoughts are attributed a certain reverence because the process of the connections is hidden and therefore seems complex/amazing/genius.
151. Paula Bright (2010-11-22) Dang. I miss you in my real life.
:/
Paula
152. Bliss (2010-11-22) Derek, THANK YOU!! I needed that reminder today.
I...am humbled by your inspiration.
Bliss
153. William (2010-11-22) You just reminded me of how awesome and brilliant I am. Thanks :-)
154. Carol Galiano (2010-11-22)
My experience is more painful. I usually read or see that someone else has created what I had already thought of doing, but hadn't got around to it yet, (or worse, was in the process of creating). Then it ruins it for me and I have to move on to something new. The biggest myth in creation is the fear that if you present your idea to someone creative, he/her will steal it. A creator never wants to tread where someone else has been. Its no fun and life is too short. Only non-creative people are idea thieves....
155. Jean-Baptiste Collinet (2010-11-22) Finding everything I do totally obvious eventually led me to do nothing at all. Until I realized that what others do isn't genius.
Of course I'm not getting all cocky there.
We live in a worldwide "mediocracy". No wonder if we find genius everywhere. We find it because we desperately need it.
156. Zach Will (2010-11-22)
The idea that you should let other qualified people judge your work is a very good one. However, some people will take the rest as an ego booster, and use your advice to make them feel better about themselves. This can be positive, but people should look at their life objectively and continue to improve where improvement is needed.
157. John Patrick Thomas (2010-11-22)
Hi Derek. Ain't it the truth! I was just asked if I had any organ piece(s) available for performance in Berlin in 2012. I happen to have two oldies, one from 1968, another from 1983. I don't think they're very good, but... I'm leaving it up to "them" to decide. I may write a new one instead. I think of artists who go around destroying works they think may be inferior. I can't make up my mind! Kick on truckin'! jpt
158. T Scott Walker (2010-11-22)
dido- it's like when you feel you have just finished one of your worst live performances and someone walks up to you after the show and says you were great tonight - one of the best shows I've ever seen. It makes you realize it's all about putting it out there- so, dido again-
159. Greg Parke (2010-11-22) Oh crap. Does this mean I have to dig through years of trash to find all those old songs I wrote???
160. Ussi (2010-11-22) Hi Derek, (babelfish english!) I write for 50 years songs and lyrics. there is perhaps already thousands songs. For some I need weeks, months, some develop in 5 minutes. here is like that one….http://www.youtube.com/user/trikotrako#p/u/3/thp458fk3UI
161. Donna Greene (2010-11-22) Of course, not everyone 'gets it' when I put something out there, but there are a lot that do which makes it worth the effort. Thanks for sharing your insights, Derek.
162. George Tziralis (2010-11-22) Wonderful take.
So, you define innovation as sharing what's amazing to others, no matter if it -typically-has become obvious to you.
My definition of leadership is to make what is obvious to you, obvious to others as well.
Then, the difference between creation and management occurs as the difference between the amazing and obvious.
163. George Achillias (2010-11-22) I totally agree... but on the other side there is no stricter judge than ourselves... so things might be really tough when we like just to let an idea to fly away.
The more freedom you feel to share and spread things, the better feedback you get and you fine tune yourself
164. Benedict (2010-11-22) Somewhere inside everyone is something the world is waiting for! We must not abort any dream. No one can get a genuine result without the exam. That's cool Dee!
165. Jeff Van Devender (2010-11-22)
Once again, your timing is amazing, Derek. Just this weekend, I was told of someone close to me who played one of my cd's side by side with one by an artist who is a musical inspiration to me. They shared that mine was better, which to me is bordering on blasphemy as I have always considered this person's piano playing perfect & beyond reach for my own emulation. The evolutionary growth of ideas, skills and any sort of extraordinary creation is unseen by any casual observer removed from the sweat equity &/or process. Therefore, we're continually blown away by what others have created, as we should be. And honestly, I feel good when such a sentiment is expressed about something I have created. Thanks for once again verbalizing a uniquely relevant sentiment.
166. Dr. Carol Kotlowski (2010-11-22) Derek,
We are usually are own worse critics. As we may think our ideas, solutions, and so forth may not be worth anything, someone else might find it intriging.
We all have a special gift given to us by God and regardless what the world may think, our gifts, talents and so forth are presented to others to glorify Him.
167. Hamid (2010-11-22) Definitely, what's obvious to me is amazing to someone else and vice versa. Many simple ideas when got in work become great and wonderful projects and websites.
168. Simon Oelmann (2010-11-22) this is particularly true for music because normally we have been heavily influenced by one particular artist/musician.
169. Dew (2010-11-22)
Obviously I am a Genius. In my early stage of my live I've written songs, in '98 designed a ebook what apple has called ipad, '04 wrote 2 films ideas, 3some tv-commercials, in 2009 a children book and lately busy for apps for smartphones. The problem is the financial management for me. Will move soon to execute the smartphones app to SF. How to find a reliable partner with financial skills.
170. Jamie Holden (2010-11-22) When Paul McC wrote 'Yesterday', he thought nothing of it... now it's the most covered song since Twinkle Twinkle by J.S. Bach or Happy Birthday by Anonymous...
171. ram (2010-11-22) But eureka moments are different.. the creator may also be at awe.
172. Brad Parker (2010-11-22)
I knew a man who crafted a perfect song. He worked for years on that song and believed in it so strongly. I must adimit we was a great piece of work, but so removed and irrelevent that it never was appealing to anyone. We can get lost in our efforts. In any event the key maybe to move forward and look at each day as a learning lesson. Who knows, we all might get it right on any given day?
173. Catherine Hol (2010-11-22) Great post, Derek, regarding the encouragement you give people to act on their ideas.
But ...
"Hit songwriters, in interviews, often admit that their most successful hit song was one they thought was just stupid, even not worth recording."
... the charts, anybody? Is it just me, or do "hits" often suck? Maybe some of them really ARE stupid. Obviously they were "worth" recording, financially, though!
So, are we talking art or commerce?
I'm not denying that the two sometimes combine, which is the mark of a true "hit" rather than just a chart no. 1.
But as for: "We should just put it out and let the world decide" ... I'm not sure that the decisions of the masses always reflect the greatest quality.
174. Charles Nwabueze (2010-11-22) Great observation I must say!!. Thanks for the thought.
175. Curtis Sulaski (2010-11-22)
I woke up today from a very good night of rest frustrated from the reality of the fact my home office/work computer was and is still inoperable. I showered. Felt good. Dried off. Felt better. Got dressed while brushing my teeth, grabbed my things and made my way here out to what I call my day job. At least the computer still works here. And I logged on coming to your e-mailing, Derek, thinking resolutely what you were sending me was only for me after reading the subject line of such. Ooops! No, it was for every one. Still, I zipped in to see the portent and content of what was to be discussed. Very good ideas being discussed giving me a hint of honor of being included amongst this group of commentators. I am still looking for my niche with a strongheld belief the answer or answers to my query soon will find me. Hope all here have a great day and GOD Bless!
176. Pablo H. Solutin (2010-11-22) I remember J. Lennon's "nothing you can do that can't be done." Now, here is another idea for a song: "nothing you can see is too obvious." Thanks. You're amazing.
177. Fluffy The Pitbull (2010-11-22)
This article shows why creative artists shouldn't live in isolation. We all need to keep throwing our ideas out there as we never know when we'll inspire others or when something they say or do inspires us to create something even bigger. Shared creativity builds on itself to an amazing degree.
178. Glenn Edwards (2010-11-22) Apply non-obvious thinking to what you think is obvious to produce the un-obvious :)
I have a few simple un-obvious rules to songwriting:
1) If you own tune doesn't make you cringe you are probably onto something.
2) Are the lyrics really as good as they could be i.e. you would never use musical clichés why use lyrical ones? be ruthless.
3) Does your own song make you feel anything? if not try again (see rules above)
rinse repeat!
179. Steve Kemp (2010-11-22)
I have just released my fifth album and sometime during the recording process, being totally saturated with the music, I ask myself why I wasted all of this time and money on such garbage. Later on, after the release. I get comments from total strangers about how great my music is, and I'm always amazed. This ar