Be curious
It's the antidote to creative stagnation. / Issue 1,546
Oh, hi friends!
I just figured something out. Or maybe this was something I always knew but hadn’t stuck a pin and tacked it on the bulletin board before, but here it is: the deepest periods of creative stagnation, and the gloomiest “what’s the point of making” vibes always arrive when I feel incredibly uncurious about the world around me.
When we hyperfocus on one thing, we usually tend to see every flaw.
We repeat “but it’s soooo hard!”
And the world shrinks in proportion to that tiny, frustrated voice…
You stop seeing examples of good work.
You stop reading outside your immediate zone of interest.
You talk to the same people about the same topics.
Sometimes this is OK, necessary, soothing.
But.
Getting deeply curious about literally anything else in the world is a pretty good fix for a creative lull.
What can you learn about gardening? Self-publishing? How to make an indie movie? What if you spent a month learning about interior design? What if you created a new Instagram account and only followed cute animals? Could you research the history of your town? Your block? Why not finally read Middlemarch? Actually sit with a longform piece from beginning to end? Grab coffee with someone who works in a completely different field? What if you asked questions instead of repeating beliefs?
Curiosity and cross-pollination create a more interesting life.
And if a more interesting life leads to your next creative breakthrough? All the better.
During last week’s Open Skies Day — my series of 15-minute clarity chats — I met the most incredible newsletter readers working on projects all across the spectrum, including one wonderful stranger-turned-friend who’s been reading Brass Ring since 2019 (!).
A lot can shift in 15 minutes. From my new friend Eileen:
Thank you again for working with me on Open Skies Day. You were right - our session was energizing, providing information but also uplift and challenge. Working with you is a marvelous opportunity for any of your readers who inspire to take their writing and/or their life to the next level. I truly appreciate your generosity of time and forward movement expertise. The next time you are in the Baltimore area, I can take you out for lunch! Many thanks again.
Of course, these conversations energize me, too!
I said I’d do these once a month, but there are no rules.
I just opened four slots for next Thursday, May 14 at 4pm ET.
And this week, Colin and I published a new issue of The Hat, our digital publication about Off-Broadway theater! Four glorious articles featuring actors, writers, directors, and artists making, doing, and sharing the work.
And subscribe to our newsletter to stay in conversation about Off-Broadway plays and musicals. We send one email per month with the new issue.
Have a gentle close to the week, my friends. Thank you, as always, for being here.
Love,
Kara
PS — The cast of Ragtime stopped by NPR for a Tiny Desk Concert and it’s now my entire personality. Thought you might enjoy.
Love this!!