We really wanted to allow several voices on our blog to help challenge, encourage, and instigate conversation. Our first guest blogger is Erik Wahl. Erik is a graffiti artist and best selling author from California. We met Erik when he keynoted the NAESP conference last month. Erik was the driving force behind us starting Kids Deserve It, and when looking at guest bloggers we threw out the idea of asking Erik. Well, Erik said yes!!! And Erik actually wrote us THREE blog posts that we’ll be sharing over the next few weeks. Here’s the first!
Remember to connect with Erik on Twitter, Facebook, his Website or on Amazon where you can buy his bestselling book!
In my book UNthink, I researched and
wrote about framework of innovation and how to unlock our mind to unleash our
natural creative genius. A good portion of the book was strategically focused
on how to tackle the process of dreaming up a new idea. I have shared far less
about the lonely work I do to bring ideas into action. - Innovation into
actionable substance. - My personal dogged approach to grinding through
resistance to discover unchartered territory.
I have found some of my greatest
creative breakthroughs occur when…… (are you ready for this)…… I am laser
focused and militaristically disciplined.
The paradox of creativity is that
structure creates freedom. I am a naturally creative spirit who has built my business
with extreme orderliness and attention to detail. The strength of this
structure gives me greater confidence and freedom to create.
In studying the masters;
- Beethoven sat down everyday at
daybreak, regardless of season, and composed until 3:00pm.
- Kafka started writing at 11:30pm each
night.
- Mozart taught lessons by day and
composed only in the evenings.
- Picasso ate lunch each day with his
family in silence and only allowed visitors one day per week.
- Mark Twain awoke at 5:30 am, ate a
hearty breakfast, and wrote until 5:00 pm.
When fanatical discipline is combined with empirical creativity, the challenges of mental fatigue and mind-blocks are no match in the pursuit of excellence.
The only things these individuals have
in common is the rigidity of their daily routines, carving out the pockets of
quietude to listen to their inner creative voice.
Until you and I build up the capacity to
focus like the masters, let us begin by adhering to the cheeky mindset of Peter
De Vries…..“I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at
nine o’clock every morning.”
As parents and teachers, I think it is imperative to apply the same
principals of disciplined structure to keep creativity alive in the classroom. Dream.
Create. Inspire. Execute. Creativity with out actionable substance is like
river without banks.
Below are two more amazing videos from Erik!
Erik Wahl sizzle reel!
And don’t forget to share your stories. Use the hashtag #KidsDeserveIt to share how you’re connecting, and inspiring others with creative ideas! You can also follow @KidsDeserveIt to continue connecting with us and subscribe to our Remind class with this link! You can also connect with us on Voxer! Our voxer handles are techninjatodd and awelcome
And don’t forget to share your stories. Use the hashtag #KidsDeserveIt to share how you’re connecting, and inspiring others with creative ideas! You can also follow @KidsDeserveIt to continue connecting with us and subscribe to our Remind class with this link! You can also connect with us on Voxer! Our voxer handles are techninjatodd and awelcome
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