Encouraging you to encourage
Posted by funky uncle mustard on 02 Oct 2008 at 10:59 pm | Tagged as: Creativity, Encouragement, MustardMusings, Positive Reinforcement
Encouragement matters.
When you see something good, or see someone using their talents or gifts for the good of others, please show these people some love by letting them know.
And I don’t just mean saying, “Good job!”
Anyone can say that – whether they experienced something good or not.
No. To make encouragement meaningful (and believable), specify what was good about what you experienced. Tell the person
- How it impacted you
- What specifically you liked or what specifically moved you
You may not realize this, but there are a ton of creative people out there doing amazing things – maybe even touching or impacting you – and they have no idea whether they are reaching anyone with their work.
Tell them.
The truth is that most creative people don’t get meaningful feedback.
Hugh Macleod’s first rule of how to be creative is probably right: Ignore everyone. To be creative, you do need to ignore everyone – at least what they are telling you to do. Instead, we have to listen to that still, quiet voice to direct what we create.
But it means the world to those who create when someone says,
Wow, I was really touched by the video you put together. The way you drew me in and set that scene up and then reworked it with a complete twist. Man, that hit me hard!
or
Wow, you know what? The sound in [some venue] yesterday was really good. Normally I cannot hear what the electric guitar is doing, but you took the time to make sure all the instruments on the stage were heard. Good job!
or
Whoa! That presentation was excellent! I saw the violin sitting there behind you as you spoke, but had no idea why it was there. Then, at just the right point, you introduce this incredible musician who plays an amazing piece that absolutely drives your point home. That was incredibly powerful!
or
You know what? That graphic you created to represent the cleansing power of water really moved me. It fit so well with all the other visual elements.
Giving specifics shows you really paid attention. Telling them shows you cared enough to write/say something. Telling them something good encourages them to do more.
And creating more is what creative people live for.
When you see something good, tell them. And be specific.
Spread the love.
You’re right. Being specific really helps. I’ve been really lucky to have a couple of people reading my novel who are good at being specific about what they like. It’s not only encouraging, it’s inspiring.