Read time: 3 minutes
MCC #82 – 20 Nov 2023
Hi! Before we dive in, I’ve got an upcoming workshop on creativity systems — Details below.
Welcome to My Creative Calling!
Do you doubt yourself as a creative leader?
I certainly did.
This quote came to mind after last week’s topic on wealth:
The things you do not have to say make you rich. Saying things you do not have to say weakens your talk. Hearing things you do not need to hear dulls your hearing. And the things you know before you hear them — those are you, those are why you are in the world.
William Stafford
I dunno about you, but this quote gets me all fired up!
There’s a whole lotta wisdom in there on how to show up in the world. It’s empowering.
Let’s break down 3 points to build your confidence:
Your speech
As an overthinker, I often second-guess myself or say more than necessary.
But the insight for me is the point:
“Saying things you do not have to say weakens your talk.”
Less is more, they always say.
And it’s true for how we show up as leaders.
The more you have to explain or justify your speech, the less effective you are.
It literally does weaken your talk.
And you don’t want to appear weak.
No
You want to show up powerfully and lead in your unique way.
Your hearing
You know what really confuses the hell out of you?
Too many inputs.
Yep.
It drives you flipping crazy, right?
- You’re drowning in toxic news media
- Your email inbox is spilling out onto the street
- Your phone notifications are lighting up like a Christmas tree
- You never have time to think cause you fill every free second with social media or podcasts
Whoa.
My head is spinning just thinking about it.
See, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet space after the last hectic month of:
- More hospital visits than I can count
- Frantic toddler
- Crying baby
So when I get that peaceful 5 minutes these days, you know what I do?
Nothing.
Yep.
Good ol’ nothing.
And you know what?
It’s amazing.
As things rise up in that space. Things that matter to me:
- Ideas
- Insights
- Peacefulness
I guess what I’m trying to tell you is:
Be mindful of what you consume.
It could be “dulling your hearing”, as Mr. Stafford said in the quote above.
And you don’t want that now, do you?
No, if you’re going to unlock your full creative potential, that creative intelligence that fuels your leadership, then you need to respect this rule:
Don’t hear things you don’t need to hear.
Set some boundaries.
Otherwise, you’ll be about as useful as a runner with a torn hamstring.
Information overload impairs you.
It’s a limiting belief you need “more” info.
You’re good without it. I know you are.
And leading from that space connects to our final point here:
Your “you”
You unconsciously know stuff.
This “unknown” intelligence is part of your superpower.
You have a certain… calibration, shall we say?
Yes, you are wired in a unique way.
Sure, we’re all human and alike. But when you get below the iceberg surface, you’re different to me and everybody else — values, beliefs and the experiences that shaped you.
And out of that iceberg rises something individual.
And most people get scared of that.
Who wants to be… weird!??
Safer to blend in, right?
No.
I’m here to tell you it’s time you started leaning into that weirdness.
That’s how you will stand out as an authentic and respected leader in your field.
Now I’m not talking about becoming some outrageous annoyance. Of course not!
I mean letting your personality shine through, embracing your little quirks, and following the rabbit holes that light you up.
That is where the magic happens.
Suddenly, you go from:
BORING.
To:
Memorable.
Or dare I say:
Remarkable!
And you know what you’ll start to do then?
You’ll attract a tribe. People will see your mission and values and wanna get on board. And even if they don’t like your weirdness, most people will still respect you for showing up authentically. It seems rare these days to see someone owning their weirdness and showing up passionately.
And so remember our final rule here from Mr. Stafford:
“And the things you know before you hear them — those are you, those are why you are in the world.”
The things that come naturally to you and don’t have to try for are your gift.
Please share it with the world.
A workshop for you
Hey! I’ve got something exciting to share with you today…
I thought it’s about time I created something more valuable for you.
“What?” you curiously wonder.
I’m hosting an online workshop on Monday 11 December:
Systems for Creativity: Unleash your creative intelligence
How does that sound?
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this letter, please share it with a friend.
If you would like to receive my weekly letter in your inbox, sign up here.
It would be great to have you on board!
Cheers!
Matt K. Head
When you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:
Coaching
- Leading authentically
- Find more meaning and fulfilment in your work
- Gain clarity and start taking action on your creative journey
