Everybody has a creative potential and from the moment you can express this creative potential, you can start changing the world.
—Paulo Coelho, author, The Alchemist
The greatest challenge individuals and organizations will face when attempting to manifest their creative potential is not a lack of talent or resources—it’s a lack of understanding. Even when people believe in the intangibles, they don’t understand how they function, or they significantly undervalue them. That puts those who do understand in the precarious position of needing to change people’s opinions before getting support—not an easy task. While it is well documented that individuals and organizations that achieve greatness think independently, achieving your goals while fighting constant opposition takes a combination of bravery, confidence, and perseverance that is difficult to develop and exhibit consistently.
It was my own frustration in constantly explaining the value of intangibles that led me to write down these thoughts, intending to increase understanding by creating a coherent explanation of this transformative perspective. The next step in that process is to create a simple framework that can guide individuals and organizations on their journey to unlock their creative potential—what I call the Creator’s Formula. It’s a set of skills and conditions that must be in place for you to realize this value. The first step is to gain a clear understanding of what each of the elements are and how they work. Then you can begin experimenting with the formula. This will help you build trust in your creative process and eventually harness it for your individual or organizational benefit.
Like most formulas, it requires an investment of time and energy to understand the subject matter behind the formula pre- sented. For example, Einstein’s theory of relativity, e=mc2, means nothing without a basic knowledge of physics and mathematics. In our case, the more self-aware you become and the more you prac- tice the art of manifesting—making the intangible tangible—the more effective the formula will become. Think of it as your guide to the process of discovering and sharing the best version of yourself or your organization. A guide that gives you permission to experiment, trust your instincts, and, most importantly, take the right chances
that will lead to previously unimaginable results and fulfillment. The Creator’s Formula is made up of four key elements: defined purpose, experienced creativity, flawless execution, and emotional generosity. We’ve already seen it at work in the stories of Supreme and Ian Schrager. Now it’s time to explore the formula in detail, illuminating the four key elements, while meeting other creative people whose vivid journeys embody the real-world application of the formula.
THE CREATOR’S FORMULA
Purpose
The why behind everything you do. What drives you, what makes you different, your essence.
+ Experienced Creativity
The ability to manifest your breed of creativity consistently over a sustained period of time.
+ Flawless Execution
When a product or service is the ideal manifestation of its purpose.
+ Emotional Generosity
Understanding the needs of others and being willing to put them ahead of your own selfish desires.
=
Personal Fulfillment & Professional Achievement