Creative Authenticity

Hugh MacLeod's work was one of my first posts initiating my new position within new-laden land of the blog-o-sphere.

Well, I've recently discovered his manifesto on How To Be Creative. The value of authenticity and hard work are often shoved in the closet for a shortcut and it's heartbreaking to see this happen to fellow human beings. This manifesto is a definite read for those who:

• Find themselves bitching around the watercooler (stop hanging w/crowds)
  
• Have relinquished their creative sovereignty (be true to yourself)
  
• Believe they will suddenly be discovered (your plan is already doomed)
  
• Don't understand the balance of the 'sex & cash' theory (don't quit your day job)
  
• Refuse to acknowledge the existence of their private Mt Everest (everyone has one)
  
• Use fancy props as a crutch (needing state-of-the-art _(fill in blank)_ to accomplish x)
  
• Adopted another's business plan as their own (our paths are not the same)
  
• Compare themselves to others (practice = authenticity)
  
• Insist drugs & booze make better artists (never a happy ending)
• Underestimate competition & overestimate personal chances (hardwork = reward)
• Are married to the medium for the wrong reasons (payments to Satan aren't cheap)
  
• Seek inspiration in a vacuum (the creative block needs fuel)

and need help in understanding the challenges and rewards of being creative.