In A Shot Of Optimism

Ramin Djawadi is the composer of the amazing score from Game of Thrones – the wildly popular dystopian drama that has enthralled millions. The music is so incredible that concert tours are happening in cities around the country.

In a recent interview on NPR’s Morning Edition, Djawadi talked about his creative process for composing music for film. Sometimes he starts composing music even before he sees film footage (working from an idea that the creators had discussed). Other times he thinks about different approaches, themes, tones, and instrumentation, but may not come to a solution.

Where does he find those ideas to solve his musical problems? Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night, or in those in those first moments after waking. He used to scribble ideas on a piece of paper, but now he just sings or hums into his cell phone. Whenever they come, Ramin has learned to pay attention to moments of inspiration.

Recently having supper with good friends and loyal readers of my blog, one of them asked, “How can you think up something to write about every week?” It reminded me of the interview with Djawadi – I get some of my best ideas in the shower.

And guess what, you probably do, too – it may be in the car, or unloading the dishwasher. We all have times when inspiration comes to us. So why aren’t we all doing inspired work?

There are several places to look for the answers.

First, are you showing up? Do you regularly write, paint, dance or focus on that business problem? Too many people wait for inspiration to strike. You have to show up first!

Second, many of us have been told to ignore our “crazy ideas” or to only use the “serious ideas” that we have struggled to develop. But research suggests that many inventors and other creative people see fresh possibilities when their brains are not highly focused but are instead in a receptive state. Our job is to pay attention to those thoughts that float through our minds when we believe we aren’t thinking.

Now it’s your turn to experiment paying attention to those random thoughts that come through your brain. It won’t happen everyday. But the more you are open to hearing those ideas, the more you’ll notice them. Don’t let your good ideas wash down the drain!

I can’t wait to see what you discover!

Until next Tuesday,

Elizabeth

 

Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Not readable? Change text.