Creativity

4 Lessons About Honesty From Creative Mornings

We know how important it is to get out of our bubble.

Creative Mornings is a great way to do so. The breakfast lecture series founded by Brooklyn designer Tina Roth Eisenberg is the answer to anyone who craves “an accessible event that connects me with my local creative community, and that inspires me with one talk – before work.” It’s also for anyone who believes everyone is creative.

The Salt Lake City chapter of Creative Mornings is (like those located in 180 cities and 60 countries around the world) free of charge, entirely volunteer-driven, and organized around a monthly theme. For October’s theme, Honesty, CCSLC invited podcast hosts Kristina and Chris Holifield to open up on a topic that really hit home. Here are our top takeaways:

1. Honesty is Scary

I think we all know this one. But it bears repeating. Everyone wears a mask at least part of the time. We aren’t always honest when the Whole Foods cashier asks, “How are you today?” because you’re pretty awful, actually, but you don’t have time to explain why. Being vulnerable, though, can lead to unexpected growth. Even at the grocery store! Because the more you open up, the more you learn about yourself and others. And that most definitely leads to great art.

2. Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe

Being honest with people starts by being honest with yourself. That means recognizing the good and the bad in your life and accepting it all. Then you can drop the act (“How am I? Not great, but I’m really excited about this tofu!”). People recognize honesty and are attracted to it. That’s how you build relationships and community (“I love tofu! You have to read this cookbook I just picked up. It’s got the best cover. I do freelance design when I’m not at WF so I notice those things …”).

3. Try A Little Transparency

Sure, it’s a bit of a buzzword, but we can all relate to the pressure to avoid it. Being transparent is the opposite of taking 50 selfies so you can post a story that others perceive to be “raw” and “so authentic.” Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? Arguably, a better way to go about pretty much everything is to get real. Be vulnerable. Show what it took to help your client with a major rebrand. The road from initial ask to concept to final delivery sure didn’t go smoothly, did it? We’re big fans of getting into the ups and downs of process. Are you? Could you become one?

4. And, Finally, You Rule

At times, we tend to critique ourselves harder than we should (creatives are especially notorious for self-inflicted tough love) and don’t recognize our strengths. When you receive positive feedback, don't question it—embrace it. Own it to the fullest extent and shed the negativity. You deserve it. No matter who you are or what you're trying to do, the best way to succeed is to start with honesty.

Do you agree? Be honest.

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