EP 248 Unlocking Your Inner Creative - Insights with Rich Kirkpatrick

In this enlightening and motivational holiday edition of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," host Wize El Jefe delves deep into the realms of creativity and personal growth with special guest Rich Kirkpatrick. Rich, a seasoned author, church musician, and blogger, shares his wisdom on how to unlock one's inner creative potential through collaboration, curiosity, and the right mindset.
#### **A Journey of Creative Exploration**
Wize El Jefe begins the episode by reflecting on his own journey in the world of podcasting. Initially spurred by the necessity to discuss pressing current events like the George Floyd situation and the 2020 elections, Wize found his true calling in shifting the podcast’s format to feature interviews and conversations aimed at spreading a message of positivity. This transition not only brought personal fulfillment but also inspired his listeners, demonstrating the transformative power of collaborative discourse.
The conversation then gracefully transitions to Rich Kirkpatrick’s story. Raised in a strict religious household by a resilient single mother, Rich experienced the tension between creativity and practicality from an early age. Suppressing emotions in favor of practicality was the norm, a contrast Rich continuously grappled with as he matured into a musician with a taste for innovation. His passion for rule-breaking jazz artists reflects his journey toward embracing creativity despite tight constraints.
#### **The Power of Community and Collaboration**
Rich emphasizes the unparalleled significance of collaboration and community in any creative endeavor. His early days of blogging in 2005 serve as a testament to the importance of these elements. By connecting with other church musicians, Rich built a community that not only honed his voice but also enhanced his communication skills. This sense of community is something Wize deeply resonates with, as listeners' feedback and the conversations with guests have profoundly impacted his personal growth and the podcast's success.
#### **Turning Frustration into Fuel for Creativity**
One of the episode’s key takeaways is the idea of using frustration as a catalyst for creation rather than destruction. Rich aptly articulates that dissatisfaction with the status quo can push individuals to innovate and bring about meaningful change. This notion correlates with creativity being both a mechanism of personal growth and a tool for societal transformation.
#### **Practical Insights on Journaling and Curiosity**
The discussion underscores the importance of journaling, whether public via blogging or private. Both Wize and Rich share their positive experiences with keeping a journal, emphasizing its benefits for organizing thoughts, reflecting on personal growth, and fostering creativity. 
Curiosity, as Rich explains, is another crucial element in the creative process. He likens it to the practice of spotting out-of-state license plates as a child, a simple yet effective exercise in noticing the unnoticed. Wize supports this idea, sharing how practicing curiosity has opened new avenues for his podcast topics and interview questions.
#### **The Science Behind Creativity**
Rich introduces listeners to the fascinating science behind creativity, discussing brain networks like the default mode network (the "wizard") responsible for generating ideas, and the central executive network (the "robot") that organizes and judges these ideas. Effective creativity involves seamlessly switching between these modes – a concept known as lateral thinking. This scientific view demystifies the creative process, making it accessible to everyone, not just those traditionally perceived as artistic.
#### **Leadership Through a Creative Lens**
The episode also sheds light on how creativity intersects with leadership. According to Rich, effective leadership involves navigating four distinct "universes": human resources (family), structure (factory), politics (jungle), and team dynamics (stadium/banner). A creative leader is versatile, able to switch between these frames and harness creativity to foster an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas without fear of repercussions.
#### **Embracing Failure and Fostering a Creative Environment**
Rich and Wize agree on the inevitability of failure in any creative endeavor. However, they stress that setbacks should be viewed as integral components of the creative journey rather than obstacles. 
Creating a supportive environment where team members can freely voice their ideas is crucial for creativity to flourish. Encouraging open dialogue and showing humility as a leader can significantly enhance creative output and empower the team.
#### **Personal Motivation and Addressing Misconceptions**
Motivation for creative work should stem primarily from an internal belief in the project’s mission, rather than external rewards like money. Rich and Wize discuss how holding an intrinsic motivation contributes to long-term success and satisfaction in creative endeavors.
The episode also addresses common misconceptions about creativity, emphasizing that everyone possesses creative potential. Creativity manifests in various forms, from traditional arts to everyday activities like cooking or business planning. The idea that humans are naturally wired for creativity is supported by scientific evidence.
#### **Inspirational Stories and Insightful Recommendations**
Wize and Rich draw inspiration from iconic figures like Tony Bennett, who began painting at the age of 60 and continued to evolve creatively through collaboration. This story serves as a powerful reminder that creativity and learning are lifelong endeavors.
Rich recommends two influential books for those seeking to enhance their creative processes: "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon and "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. Both books offer practical insights and inspiration for overcoming creative blocks and embracing the artist within.
#### **A Heartfelt Conclusion**
As the episode draws to a close, Wize expresses heartfelt gratitude for Rich Kirkpatrick’s engaging insights and the valuable discussion. He extends his thanks to the podcast's listeners, team members, and essential workers, wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. Rich’s reflections on integrating meaningful activities into life and finding personal intrinsic worth resonate deeply, leaving listeners with a profound sense of empowerment and inspiration to unlock their inner creative genius.
In conclusion, this episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast" with Rich Kirkpatrick is a treasure trove of wisdom on creativity, personal growth, and leadership. It encourages listeners to embrace their creative potential, leverage community and collaboration, and find motivation from within to navigate the challenges and joys of the creative journey.