No matter what dreams you hope to achieve, harnessing the power of creativity is essential to success. However, “success” is an elusive word that means different things depending on who you ask. For some, success might refer to achieving material wealth or a certain status. For others, it might mean starting a new venture or working through a struggle. A musician like Paul McCartney, on the other hand, might define it as writing a song. While a Beatle’s level of success can seem galaxies away from our own dreams, we can all learn from McCartney’s creative process. Believe it or not, his actions aren’t light years away from our own capabilities.
In this article, GoSmallBiz shared an important clip from the new Peter Jackson-led documentary, The Beatles: Get Back. In one particularly memorable moment, Paul McCartney riffs on his guitar and mumbles out a song. Over the course of a few minutes, that song becomes something we’re all familiar with: “Get Back.” So, how did he write a hit song, and how can we use this as an example in our own lives?
In the clip from Get Back, Paul McCartney also stays in the present moment. He never stops playing his guitar for a second, even while he’s uttering an incoherent string of lyrics. The whole idea is to keep going and most importantly, keep “doing.” Staring at the task in front of you and thinking about it for days won’t start your creative process, it’ll only hinder it. Instead, dive right in and get started (even if you have to struggle to find the right words or ideas).
Most likely, you’ve also heard the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The same thing applies to McCartney’s songwriting process. While it’s incredible to watch the musician mold a hit song in a matter of minutes, there’s something even more amazing to witness: his persistence. At the beginning of the process, he doesn’t have much to work with. Instead of setting aside his guitar out of frustration, he continues improvising. That improvisation leads to his eventual success. If you focus on your fear of failure, it’ll overwhelm you. Meet that fear face-to-face and don’t let it get the best of you; keep at it. Most importantly, don’t let your dreams die by letting them collect dust in a corner.
McCartney has one more thing that helps him finish “Get Back”: the other three Beatles. After working with him for so long, they know all the ins and outs of his creative process. They let him sit with the song and improvise for a good while, for instance, before they accompany him. Now, focus on your own goals and dreams. Trying to accomplish everything you want on your own can be challenging. Having a strong team that understands our perspective helps us realize our potential. Everyone needs support. Find your tribe and create something powerful together. Who knows, your dreams might even come true.
James P. Randisi, President of Randisi & Associates, Inc., has since 1999 been helping employers protect their clients, workforce and reputation through implementation of employment screening and drug testing programs. This post does not constitute legal advice. Randisi & Associates, Inc. is not a law firm. Always contact competent employment legal counsel. Mr. Randisi can be contacted by phone at 410.494.0232 or Email: info@randisiandassociates.com or the website at randisiandassociates.com
