I posted in 2010 about Steve Martin, multi-talented actor/comedian/songwriter/banjo player/novelist, but I just ran across this video I wanted to share. While it is a bit old, it’s worth watching for Martin’s simple enjoyment and humility, even when — especially when– he’s making a fool of himself.
Sometimes we DaVincis take ourselves so seriously. But there’s a “flow” that happens when we lighten up, and that may make us not only happier but more productive…as it obviously has with Steve Martin. One other thing that struck me in this interview is that Martin repeatedly mentions the enjoyment he has working with colleagues, from fellow multi-talented funnyman John Cleese to a high school buddy who helped produce Martin’s Grammy-winning bluegrass album The Crow.
How does this apply to DaVincis like you?
Don’t be afraid to look silly as you explore your talents. Even if you fall on your face (or your movie bombs, as Pink Panther 2 did) you’ll experience a freedom that will cast a glow over all your creative endeavors and make you more willing to innovate and try things you haven’t before.
Sharing your creative skills with others, and appreciating theirs, ends the isolation and multiplies your energy and creative possibilities. So consider collaborating with and supporting other creative people in your circle. Find a writers’ group, cheer on your friend’s standup routine at open mike night, join a Meetup of other creative types. You may just find a person to work with who could be your other half on a new project, or add a new twist or a burst of enthusiasm to an old one.
Activity: Dust off a talent or a project that you’ve been neglecting for a while and give it a go, without any expectation of its being perfect — don’t worry if you look like a fool, just have fun! And go online and look up groups in your area you could get out and mingle with that center around this or another one of your creative talents or interests.
Want to re-publish this article? Go for it – just include the author’s name, a link to this original post and the following text blurb:
Are you struggling with too many talents, skills, ideas? You may have The DaVinci Dilemma™! Find tools, fun quizzes, coaching, inspiration and solutions for multi-talented people at http://www.davincidilemma.com/ .
