Is Creativity Dying?

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Steve Jobs could be considered one of the biggest champions for creativity, breaking the standards for what society dictates for us.

 

Where have I been?  I haven’t taken time to post anything to my site in over a month, and I’m full of excuses; being a dad, husband, pet master, servant leader, responsible authority for my own health… (the list could go on), not enough time!  Enough excuses!

Today I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Robert Hoekstra lecture about creativity and innovation, specifically how important it is for us to reach back to our inner child and think big picture in our work and life.  Dr. Hoekstra taught a class on creativity and innovation as part of my Graduate curriculum in Industrial Engineering at the University of Central Florida.

 

I’m very grateful that today my employer, NASA’s Launch Services Program, brought Dr. Hoekstra in to talk to our entire organization about creativity and innovation.  This was a huge show of support for the value of individualism, each person’s unique thoughts and ideas.

What I realized today is that I need to get back to posting to this blog, because when I don’t, my creativity is slowly dying.  The process of just letting my thoughts flow in a creative way, while typing up these topics, is very powerful for my mind.  I hope the words connect with you as well, hopefully inspiring others to do the same, to embrace their passion about what they do at work and in life.

I’m going to leave you with a video that Dr. Hoekstra showed us.  The entire spot is about 12 minutes; WAIT, DON’T close your browser… you have the time, you can make the time, this is an investment in yourself!

Taking the next few minutes to watch this video is a commitment in your own development… so stick around and share it with a friend when you’re done.

In a nutshell, the video is narrated by a Psychiatrist who helps explain the different roles of your left (orderly) and right (creative) brain, and he does a beautiful job of connecting his theory to real life, and our society in general.

The video also brought me back to the books I just finished reading, The Hunger Games trilogy (I plan to post about it in the future).  I couldn’t help but draw the connection with the video’s theories about where our world is headed as we continue to suppress creativity and my own interpretation of the future world that is depicted in The Hunger Games trilogy.

One last thought before I leave you to watch the video.  There is a connection of all this “creativity”, and my original topic for this post… is it dying?  I don’t think it is dying, and proof of that is evident in my field of work with NASA and our desire to explore.  We have seen the end of the Space Shuttle Program over the last year, however look at all the amazing ideas being worked on in order to find a new creative way to get humans to the edge of space with suborbital flight, and into space so we can continue our research on the International Space Station and setup exploration beyond the gravitational clutches of our home planet.  New companies are pushing the limits of what we think is possible, brainstorming ideas for space tourism and commercial access as you read this post.

Creativity isn’t dead at NASA, it isn’t dead in our aerospace industry, don’t let it die in your industry, in your family, in your children, in life… take charge and stop settling for “what is”… go make “what can be” happen!

So sit back and enjoy the next 12 minutes.  Most importantly, afterwards, go off and make this world a better place by embracing your inner creativity, stop fitting in the box with your thinking, don’t let your childhood creativity die!

What goes around comes around

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A cruel intention is destined to meet a difficult situation.   A humble selflessness will someday unlock an opportunity.

I had a few conversations today that left me inspired to continue exploring, and to never stop giving, even when I think I have nothing to give.  This inspiration started during a conversation with a peer who I’ve helped grow, a peer that has also helped me grow.  The inspiration continued after speaking to a team whom I’ve only just met, yet they are helping me learn.  The inspiration even came from a conversation with a former “fresh-out” hire that has grown leaps and bounds, so much that he is now giving back to the community in ways that will inspire beyond his wildest dreams.

It is easy for us all to get frustrated with our routine, with those around us, and with life in general.  Through every up and down, we must all stay focused on a long term goal, a personal vision.  Knowing your personal values is a great place to start; following through on them, regardless the obstacles, is how to finish strong.

These three conversations all re-energized my own personal vision, they also reminded me that I get energized by giving back, sharing, and mentoring.  Hopefully these blogs do just that, even if just to one person, somewhere, someday.

Click image to play NASA's "We Are The Explorers"

This vision led me to post this NASA video, “We are the Explorers”.  The video is intended for our youth, narrated by Peter Cullen (the voice of Optimus Prime from the movie Transformers).  NASA is going through a historic transition, following the end of the Space Shuttle era; however the Agency is pushing to expand as much influence wherever it can, even with the lack of the amazing leading ladies (Columbia, Challenger, Discover, Atlantis, & Endeavour) who inspired for the past 30 years.  Today, NASA is working to have conversations, through the use of the Social Media network… NASA is trying hard to inspire and give back, to mentor, to educate, to stimulate.  “We are the Explorers” is a great example of that “giving”, without expecting anything in return.

That last conversation of the day surrounded giving back by mentoring high school students competing in the National FIRST Robotics Competition.  The person doing this is a new father, yet he is somehow finding extra time (6-7 days a week, basically a second job) to inspire kids.  He is volunteering and making a difference in how a future generation will make a difference in this world, teaching problem solving and project management skills that will surely bring innovation in the future.

You can do the same, because “what goes around comes around”.

Give today, share your strengths, you will inspire a better tomorrow for all of us.  Start today and selflessly help someone; the benefits to the world will be exponential.

Can you see the big picture?

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True leadership skills are transferable, from group to group, industry to industry.  Transitioning from something you understand well, to something that is outside of your comfort zone is never easy; however such changes force leaders to focus more on people, less on details.

Many famous entrepreneurs’ have made their wealth in an industry they have skills in, later leaving for an industry that may be new to them.  Successful entrepreneurs’ are dedicated to the success of whatever venture they take on.  It is this dedication to success that pushes them to great achievements.

Last night, CBS’s 60 Minutes aired a segment on Elon Musk.  Elon is famous for creating PayPal, and later creating the world’s first viable production electric car.  60 Minutes didn’t choose to focus on either of those ventures; they instead focused on the childhood dream that Elon is passionately pursuing, making space more accessible.

Instead of continuing my rant, I’d like to direct you to the great piece by 60 Minutes.  I’ll leave you with this one thought to consider as you listen to the interview, and to the lengths that Elon is going to push the envelope, regardless of the criticism he is taking.

Elon admits that the space industry isn’t easy, and surely isn’t an area where he has formal training.  Let Elon’s interview help you realize your own potential, whatever your background, whatever your industry.  Regardless of your background, you can lead your team to success, focus on the following five things as you lead your team, success will follow.

  1. There is no substitute for hard work
  2. Be dedicated to whatever you are focused on
  3. Be passionate about your work
  4. Surround yourself with great talent
  5. Take care of the people you lead, and they will help you achieve the most daunting of tasks, together, as a team!

Click the 60 Minutes image below to view Elon’s interview!