The other day I read Mitch Joel’s excellent post about what he learned from the film Becoming Elmo. Mitch argued that the people who are brilliant at what they do are able to sum up their “one thing” very succinctly, and that they build their life and work around it. It’s their core. Their base of operation. The filter through which all of their work sifts.
For several years we’ve used the tagline “The arms dealer for the creative revolution” when describing what AC is and does. We exist to equip creative pros with the mindset, tools, and relationships they need to do their brilliant work. Often this means helping people clear obstacles out of their way. More often, it means helping them get out of their own way. (And as fellow creative pros, we’re often dishing out advice with fingers pointed squarely in our own chest.)
At the heart of it, I think we’re freedom fighters for the creative class. On a personal level, my most effective work is always centered around one thing: bringing freedom. Freedom to make. Freedom from judgment. Freedom from fear. Freedom to take risks. Freedom to fail. Freedom to succeed.
So my two words? Bringing freedom. It’s what I structure my life and work around. I love (LOVE!) seeing people set free.
Weekend challenge: Very simple – what are your two words? What space do you own? Add yours here.
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Patient’s words
Nice! Thanks for being the first to jump in the pool, Kathy… :)
Facilitate success
Fantastic. Love the word facilitate.
Empower individuals.
It’s quite broad, I know. And I love your words, ‘Bringing Freedom’, Todd. I’ve been thinking quite a bit of freedom and responsibility. They seem to come in equal measure. My favorite T-shirt right now has the words “Freedom Artist” scrawled on it in a very liberated hand-written style. I feel called to live up to this statement. But my freedom seems to be tied to the practical reality of needing to create things that empower others. You’ve done that here. Thanks!
Love it!
Even though I write about creativity, I think my site has an underlying goal of improving peoples lives through becoming more creative.
My two words are – sharing bliss
Ooh – I really like that a lot, Jamie. I’ll check out your site.
Harness creativity.
I will add two options:
Loving hugely
Opening doors
Pursuing Poise
Cyborg innovation.
Creative Compassion
Creative Compassion
I’m a psychologist and a creative… writing a blog: http://drstephm.wordpress.com/ and taking photos… and intending to write a book. I have a feeling that creativity and compassion will be at the heart of it.
Wild, Todd…your two words were also mine. :-)
My two words: Sharing stories
My work is based on facilitating writing, philosophy and storytelling workshops for kids. We all have stories to tell – they are the absolute heart of who we are. For me, it’s all about encouraging kids to find their voice -that’s where the real jewels are!
Joy creating!
As an artist, JOY is the one most important factor that feeds my creations, and support me, moment by moment and also makes it impossible for me to care if the oeanut gallery will like what I’m creating.
When I teach art, the first thing I tell the students is that they are here for the joy of making art. That if what I askmthem to do doesn’t bring them joy, they are under no obligation to do it. Art equals joy, and Joy equals art for me.
growing leaders
I read Mitch’s post too and loved it. When he wrote the phrase “one thing,” did any else think of the movie City Slickers with Billy Crystal?
Yes, absolutely.
inclusionary growth
Transparent breakthroughs
Improving productivity
(My focus is helping service-based businesses and creatives improve how they manage their creative projects to get more done).
Design Success
Creating home.
Being change.
(Alternatively, I prefer Fixing shit, but its not always appropriate to say so bluntly).
http://www.fixdevelopment.com
Healng hearts