So I have a confession…
For the past month I have been out of work and struggling between my efforts to find a new position, and realizing that I’ve been given a rare opportunity to fully commit and invest in the growth of both my newsletter and alterations business. In other words, I’ve been a tad stressed. However, during a recent interview, I was asked a question that forced me to reflect on a decade long career in 30 seconds:
“It seems you’ve had extensive, and wide ranging career so far. If you could summarize it all into three words, the core of your continued success, what would they be and why?”
*pause, reflect*
“Curiosity, creativity, and resilience,” and here’s why…
*Spoiler* I didn’t get the position, but I did come away with this post! Haha.
Over the past ten years, my journey from acquiring skills to embarking on a new business-building adventure has been both challenging and enlightening. As I pivot now towards the next chapter, reflecting on the lessons learned is not just an exercise in nostalgia but a crucial step in preparing for the future. This post shares the practical tips and advice I’ve gathered from my experiences, aiming to inspire and guide you through your own journey of continuous learning and achievement.
Cultivating Curiosity to Challenge Conventions
Curiosity has been my compass, guiding me through uncharted territories. It taught me to question the conventional, delve into the complex, and always seek a better way.
Lesson #1: Embrace an Inquisitive Mindset
Keep asking questions: I’ve learned to never take things at face value and to always challenge the status quo. You only receive better answers, when you ask better questions.
Seek out different perspectives: By engaging with ideas and viewpoints unlike my own, I broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding. From books, to podcasts, lectures, and mentors, you can find guidance and inspiration all around you.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein
Leveraging Creativity as a Catalyst for Experimentation
For me, creativity has never been confined to the realm of art. It’s a way of thinking, a tool for experimentation and discovery. Living by The Scientific Method—posing questions, testing hypotheses—has opened up new avenues for growth.
Lesson #2: Nurture a Creative Environment
View failure as a teacher: I’ve come to see each failure as a stepping stone towards success, a valuable lesson in disguise.
Make experimentation a habit: Innovation, I’ve found, comes from relentless experimentation and the willingness to try new things. This newsletter itself, which I launched last August, has been a massive experiment:
Is it possible to cultivate and empower a community of like-minded individuals, via my love for self-education and creativity?
Only time will tell!
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." - Scott Adams
Intentionality in Charting My Path
Setting clear, intentional goals amidst skepticism and discouragement has been a cornerstone of my journey. At the age of 19, armed with no more than a GED and a vision, I set out into the world learning from every encounter and experience I’ve had.
Lesson #3: Define and Pursue Your Goals
Visualize your path: Keeping my ambitions clear and visualizing the steps to achieve them has been key. My numerous journal entries and “life plans” can attest to that.
Build resilience: Facing negativity, I learned to focus on my vision and the actionable steps towards realizing it.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Overcoming Negativity with Determination
Encountering doubt and negativity, sometimes from those closest to me, tested my resolve. Turning these challenges into motivation required a steadfast belief in my potential.
Lesson #4: Convert Challenges into Strengths
Welcome constructive criticism: I’ve learned to sift through feedback, extracting valuable insights while discarding unhelpful negativity.
Create a supportive circle: Surrounding myself with people who support and believe in my vision has been instrumental. In conjunction, also learning how best to communicate that vision across industries and levels of expertise has proved an invaluable skill.
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Valuing a Multidisciplinary Perspective
My journey underscored the importance of integrating diverse skills and insights. This approach has not only enriched my knowledge base but also spurred innovative solutions. I’ve gone from working security to working in various kitchens, cafes, and bars; from songwriting & music production to photography & graphic design; from leading and training both fast fashion & luxury sales teams to operating a newsletter and becoming an entrepreneur. Let’s not forget to mention becoming a father along the way! There is no shortage of opportunity to learn and expand our human experience.
Lesson #5: Embrace a Broad Learning Spectrum
Dive into various disciplines: I discovered that limiting myself to one field was a disservice. True innovation lies at the intersection of diverse areas.
Ernest Hemingway as a Case Study in Living the T-Shaped Life - Art of Manliness
An invaluable resource whenever I feel discouraged about my lack of knowledge or progress.
Link different areas of knowledge: Finding ways to connect disparate pieces of knowledge into a cohesive whole has been a game-changer.
Podcast #357: How to Be a Creative Genius Like da Vinci - Art of Manliness
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates
Preparing for the Future
The last decade was just the beginning. Looking ahead, it’s crucial to refine these skills and insights, setting a strong foundation for the dreams I aim to achieve.
Lesson #6: Lay the Groundwork for Your Vision
Reflect and adjust: Regular assessments of my progress and approach, based on learned lessons, have been vital.
Remain flexible: Being open to altering my course in response to new insights and experiences has been essential for growth.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
Final Thoughts
My journey from 2014 to 2024 is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, creativity, intentionality, and resilience. As I look towards the next decade, the lessons I’ve learned form a roadmap for navigating upcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. By embracing these principles, you too can propel your personal and professional growth towards your ultimate vision.
Incorporating these lessons into your life can redefine your approach to learning, growth, and success. Whether starting a new skills acquisition journey or advancing towards your next venture, remember: curiosity, creativity, and resilience are invaluable allies. Here’s to the next decade of learning and achieving!
One stitch at a time,
E. A. Bland