University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
How to Be Creative
Report

How to Be Creative

Hugh MacLeod
ChangeThis, 2004
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Dismayed and disillusioned with his career, cartoonist Hugh MacLeod sat at a bar one evening and began doodling on the backs of business cards. The success that followed proves that the path to creative breakthroughs is rarely linear. To you – the writer, the painter or any sort of maker – MacLeod offers myriad tips, including “avoid the watercooler gang” and “find your own shtik,” on how to nurture your creativity while also making a living. getAbstract recommends his suggestions to any professional with a deep itch to create something meaningful.

Summary

To be “truly creative” follow these tips:

  • “Ignore everybody” – Change makes others uncomfortable. Adopt tunnel vision and trust your gut.
  • “The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content” – An idea doesn’t have to be extravagant. It just has to be yours.
  • “Put the hours in” – People erroneously believe they need one intense burst of energy to succeed, but it is better to work at something diligently and mindfully over time.
  • “Listen to your wee voice” – Pay...

About the Author

Hugh MacLeod is an American-born and UK-educated cartoonist, copywriter, and brand consultant. He began his career in television advertising and currently maintains a strong readership in the blogosphere.

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