Brené with Dr. Sarah Lewis on The Rise, the Creative Process and the Difference Between Mastery and Success
Nov 30, 2020
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Dr. Sarah Lewis discusses the transformative power of failure, pursuing mastery, and setting audacious goals. They explore the difference between success and mastery in creativity, emphasize learning from failures, and the importance of continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on leadership, climate change advocacy, and finding joy in the creative process.
Failure is a catalyst for growth and reinvention, Mastery requires setting audacious goals beyond reach, Discernment is vital for personal evolution and leadership
Deep dives
Key Points on Mastery and Failure
Mastery, not mere success, is emphasized as the pursuit of constant growth and learning in creative endeavors. Dr. Lewis explores the transformative nature of failure, highlighting how it evolves beyond mere setbacks to become a catalyst for reinvention and learning experiences. Setting audacious goals just beyond reach is seen as a powerful driver for growth and continuous improvement. She delves into the historical context of failure, revealing its evolution from a term related to bankruptcy to its broader application in human experiences.
Dr. Sarah Lewis's Accomplishments and Future Works
Dr. Sarah Lewis is an accomplished associate professor at Harvard University, with a strong focus on art, architecture, and African American studies. Her forthcoming publications and projects, including books on race, photography, and justice, showcase her commitment to impactful scholarly work. She also discusses her personal journey and the deep inspiration she draws from pivotal life experiences, such as a recent near-death collision, which has ignited a profound sense of gratitude and mindfulness in her approach to life.
Importance of Discernment in Leadership and Personal Growth
Dr. Lewis highlights discernment as a crucial leadership quality, emphasizing the ability to identify opportunities for growth and personal evolution. She shares valuable insights on the power of discerning one's inner compass and staying true to personal missions and goals. The conversation touches on the importance of protecting one's work and focusing on the pursuit of mastery rather than fleeting success, echoing the significance of nurturing creativity and innovation.
The Journey towards Mastery and Enthusiastic Persistence
The concept of mastery as an ongoing journey, distinct from perfectionism and success, is a recurring theme in Dr. Lewis's discussion. Emphasizing the value of audacious goals just out of reach, she delves into the mindset of creatives and innovators who continually strive for growth and excellence. The narrative around repeat success leading to dysfunctional persistence challenges the notion of staying stagnant in familiar achievements, urging a deeper exploration of creative potentials.
Reflections on Life, Gratitude, and Aesthetic Pursuits
Dr. Sarah Lewis's transformative experiences, including a near-death collision, have deepened her appreciation for life and artistry. The discussion unveils her profound gratitude for the gift of existence, resonating with themes of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of joy. Through her playlist selection and personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the transformative power of art, beauty, and personal growth in navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience.
Join me for a conversation with Dr. Sarah Lewis in Part 1 of a two-part series on her book, The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery. We talk about why the word failure doesn’t quite capture the often-transformative experience of falling and beginning again, the difference between success and mastery, and the power of setting audacious goals that are right outside our grasp.