I’ve been thinking a lot about comfort and curiosity, especially when I had a situation recently where someone said to me that they didn’t have computers when they were in college. So how could I expect them to understand something like file management?!
I must admit that I got a little frustrated with this individual. You see, just because there were computers in every room at the college I attended, doesn’t mean they were teaching me the basics there. I learned the basics on my own because… well… they are the basics.
Too Comfortable
Reflecting on this more I keep coming back to the conclusion that we all get a little too comfortable from time to time.
It is nobody’s fault. It’s just something that happens when we get into a routine that doesn’t require us to operate outside the box. There is definitely a whole list of things in my life that I have become comfortable with and I would be very lost without them.
However, when it comes to my position in my church, I make a conscience effort to constantly push myself to learn and grow in new areas that I am not so good at.
Stay Curious
You see, as creatives we need to be in a continual state of curiosity. Feeding our curiosity not only allows us to learn more, it also does a great job of making sure we don’t get stuck in our ways. Going back to the computer application example; If I weren’t curious about what photoshop could do for me I wouldn’t be doing half the stuff I am on a daily basis at work. I have had no formal training on photoshop. I just kept clicking around until I got it to do what I wanted it to.
We all know technological advancements are moving at the speed of light these days. I know a lot of people are just straight up intimidated by everything that is happening and they shut themselves off from everything that is foreign to them. What is hard for us to realize sometimes is that if we want to continue to be useful and creative at work we need to adapt. We need to be pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones.
And, we need to stay curious. The world is going to be buzzing all around us with better and faster applications while we sit in our little bubbles, oblivious to the ever-evolving world of technology around us.
If you knew what was waiting around the corner, you might stand perfectly still. But you might miss what’s around the next corner.
PatrckB says
I wrote a post about doing scary things about a month ago: http://www.wwjl.net/2010/08/doing-scary-things/
I remind myself that “if it is worth doing, it’s worth doing poorly.” Then I dive in.
Graham Brenna says
If it’s worth doing… it’s worth doing poorly… but with every intention of doing it with excellence.
BenJPickett says
We had our new leader orientation for youth group at my church last night and one of the guys that does set up and was talking about where we’re going and vision casting for us as a youth ministry dug up a great quote. I don’t remember who said it originally but it was good set up for a Godly mindset.
“I like my steaks medium rare and my works well done.”
By itself it’s insightful but not very powerful, through the lens of Jesus it can be a world changer.
I like to stick with what I know because I know I can do it well. When I get uncomfortable with something, I maintain the same mind set especially when it’s something for someone else I ask myself a series of questions; If this is something that I would use, how would I want it to work, what would I want it to look like, what do I want it to say about me and my brand, what do I want it to say about my clients brand to their customers?
Graham Brenna says
Very true man. You always have to determine if the “new thing” is applicable to you. I’m not saying get involved with every new piece of technology. But at least be aware that there are things out there that are meant to make our lives easier and that we shouldn’t be afraid of them.
BenJPickett says
We had our new leader orientation for youth group at my church last night and one of the guys that does set up and was talking about where we’re going and vision casting for us as a youth ministry dug up a great quote. I don’t remember who said it originally but it was good set up for a Godly mindset.
“I like my steaks medium rare and my works well done.”
By itself it’s insightful but not very powerful, through the lens of Jesus it can be a world changer.
I like to stick with what I know because I know I can do it well. When I get uncomfortable with something, I maintain the same mind set especially when it’s something for someone else I ask myself a series of questions; If this is something that I would use, how would I want it to work, what would I want it to look like, what do I want it to say about me and my brand, what do I want it to say about my clients brand to their customers?
Then strive to deliver nothing short of excellence. If I’m on a tight time schedule I won’t step out to learn something new unless nothing I know will meet the need.
Kyle Reed says
That lost quote sums up the post perfectly. You never know what is around the corner if you do not look.
Great thoughts Graham.
Definitely something that everyone should consider.
Graham Brenna says
Thanks Kyle 🙂
Trevor Taylor says
“In times of change, learners inherit the earth. While the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” – Erik Hoffer
Graham Brenna says
Heard that one before and I love it! 🙂