How to Catch Lightning: The Secret to Unlocking Creativity and Living a Life That Lights You Up

A few years ago we attended a Punch Brothers concert, with Chris Thile leading the band with his insane mandolin skills. Chris is a creative genius, and is, in fact a beneficiary of the MacArthur Fellowship, also called the “Genius Grant.”

The MacArthur Fellowship is prize awarded annually to between 20 to 30 people working in any field who have shown “extraordinary originality and dedication to creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction.” The award at the time he received it was $500,000 - no strings attached (and no pun intended…hahaha). Applications are not accepted for it - anonymous and confidential nominations are invited by the foundation and reviewed by an anonymous and confidential committee. In fact, new fellows, like Chris, first learn of their nomination and award when they receive a congratulatory phone call!

So - what we’re trying to say is, it’s a pretty big deal. We had the opportunity to snag up VIP tickets to the Punch Brothers concert that happened in an astonishingly small little venue for the level of a band that they are in Salt Lake City, Utah. The VIP ticket gave us access to a private, Q&A session with the band.

Another VIPer asked Chris this question: I feel like when I write music, it’s me doing the writing. Other people talk like it’s something that comes through them. I guess my ego likes to get validation that I’m the one putting the work in to create a song and I’m the one that brings it into the world. How do you look at it?

The Billion Dollar Code

But the interesting takeaways from us come back to creativity and having vision beyond what we think is currently possible. And it’s not about the money.

In the book, Big Magic - Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, she explores the idea that inspiration and creativity exist almost as if they are alive, circulating around the world looking for a willing partner. She talks as if ideas have a “will of their own” and “consciousness” of sorts, appearing to people who are open to them and ready to bring them to life (queue the lightning rods). If a person isn’t willing or able to act on an idea, it may leave and find someone else who can.

She gave a compelling example from her own life about a novel she planned to write about a plot set in the Amazon. She had done initial research, outlining a story involving a woman who goes on a journey to Brazil and gets entangled in a political and environmental plot.

Years later she met a lady, and a fellow author, named Ann Patchett, and they struck up a friendship. As they began discussing their work, Gilbert discovered that Patchett was writing a novel with a remarkably similar premise: an American woman travels to the Amazon and becomes caught up in a complicated local situation. Gilbert was struck by how many of the details of Patchett’s story mirrored the one she had conceived but never written. She came to believe the “idea” had left her and moved to Patchett, who was ready to take it on.

This concept gives some definite food for thought to Gilbert’s notion that ideas are energetic entities with a life of their own. She describes ideas as “swirling around us” and stresses the importance of being open and receptive so that, when an idea comes knocking, we’re prepared to act on it before it “moves on” to someone else.

In your own life, how many times have you thought of an idea you didn’t act on… only to discover that someone else did? We have had that happen multiple times! In fact, probably a good five years ago we were toying with the idea of pixie sticks full of tasty caffeine to take to the gym (versus an energy drink). Just last week we discovered them inside a fitness store.

Engaging with Creativity Connects Us to Something Deeper Within Ourselves

We decided to write about creativity today because so many times we get stuck in our past and in what our ‘labels’ say about us that we forget our souls are trying to express through us. Living a creative life doesn’t just lead to fresh ideas; it brings an energy and excitement that fulfills us and creates new and exciting experiences for us as humans. It invites us to break out of routines and into a world of possibilities, offering a sense of purpose and passion.

Here are four ways you can open yourself up to creativity and to receiving and acting on new ideas:

1. Set up your own “lightning rods” - Create routines that welcome inspiration, whether it’s regular brainstorming sessions, keeping a notebook on hand, or making time for activities that ignite your creativity.

2. Stay curious and playful – Approach creative pursuits with curiosity instead of pressure. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re relaxed and open to exploration rather than focused on perfection.

3. Act on sparks quickly – If an idea excites you, take small steps to develop it. Even just researching or outlining your thoughts can begin the process and signal that you’re a willing partner for creative ideas.

4. Surround yourself with creativity – Attend concerts, read books, engage with art, and spend time with other creators. Exposing yourself to different perspectives can keep your mind primed for inspiration.

Inspiration is everywhere; sometimes, it only needs a willing mind and open hands. Embrace the mystery of creativity, and be ready for the “big magic” to find you!

Life Updates!

• Xander found out he made Gem State Honor Band this week. Super excited for him! Oh - and he also won a pickleball tournament that was held at his school on Tuesday. Oddly enough, his pickleball partner is also the only other baritone sax player in Wind Ensemble! They named their team Number One. So….guess that worked out for them! 😜

• Baby Lyla and Mercedes are both doing amazing 🙂 So grateful! She was the cutest little pumpkin we have ever seen for Halloween! 🎃

• We have been shooting videos and getting them all set for some new funnels we are launching soon. What a lot of work a funnel is!! It’s never “just” a funnel, is it? It’s copy, images, videos, payment gateways, offers/products, email sequences… the list goes on and on! Kudos to anyone out there building funnels and making things happen!

• Date night tonight! We are excited to go spend some much needed time together!

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