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Quick takeaways
- Accessing creativity is not limited to one domain and can be applied to any activity or profession.
- Creativity is a feeling in the body that artists tap into and it is important to stay true to one's own creative vision.
- Language alone is insufficient to capture the complexity and magic of creativity, and it is essential to disregard conventional rules and limitations.
- Music we connect with during adolescence shapes our identity and influences our perception of creativity.
- Creativity is a continuous exploration and adaptation, requiring openness to new perspectives and ideas.
- To access creativity, it is crucial to dedicate total focus, avoid distractions, trust the subconscious, and embrace anxiety as an activating energy.
Deep dives
The Power of Creativity Across Domains
Creativity is not limited to one domain, as discussed in this podcast episode. The guest, Rick Rubin, known for his work as a music producer, delves into the creative process and its universality across music, writing, film, science, and more. The discussion explores abstract themes such as the origins of creativity, the interaction between the subconscious and conscious mind, and the connection between creativity and nature. The conversation also touches on practical tools and approaches to accessing the creative process.
The Essence of Creativity and Artistry
Creativity is described as a feeling in the body, an energy that is tapped into by artists. The conversation highlights the importance of being in tune with oneself and owning one's feelings in the face of external opinions. It emphasizes the role of authenticity and staying true to one's own creative vision, rather than seeking validation or trying to please others. The discussion highlights the significance of embracing the unknown and being open to exploration and experimentation in the creative process.
The Complexity of Creative Expression
The podcast explores the nuances of creative expression and the challenge of verbalizing or defining the creative process. The conversation suggests that language alone is insufficient to capture the complexity and magic of creativity. The distinction is made between tactical, commercial endeavors aimed at pleasing others and artistic endeavors driven by personal expression and vision. The episode also touches on the importance of disregarding conventional rules and limitations in order to push the boundaries of creativity.
The Fascination with Creativity at a Young Age
The podcast reflects on the role of music and other forms of creative expression during adolescence and young adulthood. It suggests that the music we connect with during these formative years becomes an important part of our identity and serves as a means of self-expression. The conversation explores how this attachment to music shapes our tastes and influences our perception of creativity. It also examines the joy and wonder that comes from experiencing something new and unfamiliar, highlighting the need to break free from the trappings of familiarity and explore the vastness of creativity.
The Evolving Nature of the Creative Process
The podcast delves into the dynamic and evolving nature of the creative process. It explores how creativity is not a fixed formula or strategy, but rather a continuous exploration and adaptation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing change, staying open-minded, and allowing new perspectives and ideas to shape one's creative endeavors. It also highlights the significance of finishing and releasing creative work, striking a balance between experimentation and completion.
Engaging in total focus and avoiding distractions
When working on a project, Rick Rubin dedicates all of himself to it, with total focus and no outside distractions. He avoids bringing work materials with him when he's away from the project and stays as far away from it as possible. In between working on different projects, he engages in other activities to fully disengage before going back to the original project.
Trusting the subconscious and holding problems lightly
Rick Rubin believes in trusting the subconscious and holding problems lightly. He doesn't stress over problems and prefers to approach projects with a sense of curiosity and openness. Starting a new project can bring anxiety, but he acknowledges that he cannot control the outcome and embraces the unknown. He believes in allowing ideas to naturally emerge and being open to following them wherever they lead.
Anxiety as a source of Activation Energy
Rick Rubin views anxiety as an activating energy that helps in moving forward. He believes that anxiety signals readiness and serves as a driving force for achieving goals. He mentions examples of individuals like Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali, who displayed anxiety as they fought for their beliefs, highlighting that anxiety is often present during moments of growth and change.
Engaging with Wrestling as a Source of Relaxation and Entertainment
Rick Rubin finds watching professional wrestling to be a relaxing and entertaining activity. He appreciates the performative aspects of wrestling, the skill and charisma of the performers, and the unpredictability of the storylines. He considers wrestling to be a unique form of entertainment, where anything can happen and the performers work together to put on a captivating show.
The Creative Process and Its Phases
The podcast episode explores the different phases of the creative process. The first phase is the seed collecting phase, where ideas are gathered without any specific deadline or pressure. The next phase is experimentation, where the creator sets the stage for something to happen, but allows the idea or project to take its own course. The third phase is crafting, where the creator works on refining and shaping the idea or project. Lastly, there is the completion or finishing phase, where the final version is edited and prepared for sharing with the world.
The Importance of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt is discussed as a natural part of the creative process. It is acknowledged that self-doubt can either be helpful or undermining, depending on how it is approached. The podcast emphasizes that self-doubt serves as a check on oneself and can push creators to question and improve their work. It is suggested that having self-confidence alongside self-doubt allows for continuous improvement and the potential to create something great.
The Power of Paying Attention and Being Open
The podcast highlights the importance of paying attention and being open to the world around us when it comes to creativity. It is suggested that there are clues everywhere, and by being present and attentive, creators can notice these clues and use them as inspiration. The idea that creativity is not limited to a specific age or time period is discussed, and the podcast emphasizes the value of exploring unconventional and unlikely ideas or practices in order to stimulate creativity.
My guest is Rick Rubin, one of the most renowned music producers of all time, known for his work with a wide range of artists, including Run DMC, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, JayZ, Adele, Johnny Cash, LL Cool J, Slayer, Neil Young, Ye (formerly Kayne West), Tom Petty, and many more. He is also the author of a new book, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being," which explores the creative process and how to access creativity. We discuss topics such as finding inspiration, the role of feelings as guideposts, learning from observing nature, balancing self-doubt and anxiety, and adopting new perspectives to channel the creative process. Rick also shares his thoughts on using deadlines, eliminating distractions, and how our experiences and emotions influence the creative process. Additionally, we discuss his love for professional wrestling. Our conversation can be applied to any activity or profession to access creativity.
For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab
Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman
Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Rick Rubin
(00:04:24) Sponsor: LNT
(00:08:23) Creativity & Ideas, Cloud Analogy
(00:12:26) Language & Creativity; Kids
(00:17:36) Feelings & Creative Ideas
(00:22:01) Rules, Choice & Art; Personal Taste & Other’s Opinions
(00:29:59) Sponsor: AG1
(00:30:20) Changing Perspective & Creativity
(00:35:04) Scientific Knowledge; Opinions & Art
(00:41:27) Finishing Projects; The Source & Nature
(00:47:40) Perception Filters, Contrast & Novelty
(00:58:42) Music & Identity, Evolving Tastes
(01:04:14) Focus, Disengaging & Subconscious; Anxiety
(01:13:22) Collaboration, Art & Rigorous Work
(01:18:26) Process & “Cloud”; Perception & Storytelling
(01:29:13) Limited Resolution, Considering the Inverse
(01:35:38) Wrestling, Energy & Reality; Dopamine
(01:49:43) Wrestling, Style & Performance
(01:52:40) Resetting Energy & Nature; Nostalgia
(02:01:56) Sleep, Waking Up & Sunlight, Capturing Ideas
(02:08:16) Creative Work Phases; Structure & Deadlines
(02:15:32) Self-Doubt & Performance
(02:19:13) Predictability & Surprise, Authenticity
(02:25:02) Past Experiences, Other’s Opinions
(02:29:42) Public Opinion & Science: Light, Acupuncture & Nutrition
(02:39:44) “Look for Clues”, Belief Effects
(02:46:25) Attention, Emotion & Art
(02:48:07) Mantra Meditation, Awareness Meditation
(02:57:33) Rick Rubin Questions, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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